Minister Fantino Delivers Students' Valentines for Vets

Youth across Canada show their thanks to those who served

TORONTO, Feb. 14, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, visited the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto today to present Veterans with valentines handcrafted by Canadian students. School children, members of community organizations and individuals from across Canada were encouraged to create valentines for Veterans as a way of giving thanks to those who have served Canada. The program is particularly popular in schools where, through the 2014 Valentines for Vets campaign, more than 10,000 cards were made, giving students the opportunity to more fully appreciate and understand the tremendous sacrifices and achievements of Canada's men and women in uniform.

Quick Facts

• Over 10,000 valentines will be distributed to Veterans today in more than 1,200 long-term care facilities across Canada.
• Valentines for Vets began in 1989 when the late columnist Ann Landers encouraged her readers to create special valentines for Veterans.
• Veterans Affairs Canada became involved with Valentines for Vets in 1996, continuing Ann Landers' legacy.
• All Canadians can take part by sending Veterans virtual cards or by expressing thanks on social media using the #ShowYouRemember, #ShowYourThanks and #ValentinesForVets hashtags.

Quote

"Through Valentines for Vets, our youth show their appreciation for the service and sacrifices made by Canada's Veterans. Veterans across Canada continue to be deeply touched by this annual gesture of respect from students straight across the nation."
The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs

Associated Links

• http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/get-involved/valentines-for-veterans
• http://sunnybrook.ca/content/?page=veterans-centre-community
• http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/get-involved/e-cards/holiday

SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada