be invisible ( traumatic brain injuries ; plus operational stress injuries which encompass more than just PTSD and also includes depression and anxiety , for example ) and visible physical injuries / disabilities from blasts , combat wounds or even accidents . It is important to continue our work to remove any stigma surrounding disability in the military community and this is also part of our mission ; and I believe this can have very positive impacts on the wider disability movement such has been seen through the success of the Paralympics and the Invictus Games .
Veterans who return from service with some type of disability are especially in need of support services . Do you partner with other organizations to help Veterans with disabilities ?
Yes , as a grant maker we identify and fund many community programs across the country . The strength of the military charitable sector in Canada is rooted in a deep understanding of the impact of injury due to service – the organizations we partner with are actively engaged in providing support to disabled and ill and injured Veterans – for example Soldier
On , the Adaptive Sports Foundation in Quebec , Veterans Transition Network all provide support to those with physical or mental challenges ( to name a few ).
Where do you want to take True Patriot Love ? Any new things on the horizon ?
We continue to explore new ways of supporting those who have served and who may need help with the recovery and transition to civilian life . An interesting new area is the creative arts which shows a lot of promise in engaging and inspiring injured Veterans through acting , music , art , craft etc . We hope to pilot some new programs in the months ahead . We also think there is more to be done to mobilise support in the corporate sector for hiring Veterans and military spouses – not because they need charity but because they are talented and resilient members of our community with great skills that businesses require .
Is there anything else you would like people to know about your work on behalf of Veterans and their families ?
As we go through the pandemic many military and veteran families face particular challenges through preexisting physical and mental health conditions , poor access to healthcare and social or geographic isolation . This is a priority for us right now .
On a personal note , what do you like to do in your spare time ? Any interesting hobbies or sports ?
As I navigate my own mid-life crisis (!) I try and pretend I am still young and fit . In 2017 I ran the Boston and London Marathons in the same week ( six days apart with a transatlantic flight in the middle ) but did it with two injured Veterans from the USA and UK , Ivan Castro and Karl Hinett . It was one of the most inspiring experiences of my whole life , sharing the pain and pleasure of running two times 26 miles with Ivan who is blind from an explosion in Iraq , and Karl who experienced severe life threatening burns also in Iraq . Our goal was to show what is possible post injury as well as raise awareness and funds for mental health support for Veterans . We met some of those impacted by the Boston marathon bombing and even got to throw the first pitch at the Red Sox ! Truly a wonderful week .
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