Canadian Veterans Services Society

06/02/2026

06/01/2026

🍁 HELP US FILL THE SHELVES 🍁

The Canadian Veterans Services Society Food Banks are in need of donations.

Every day, veterans, their families, and individuals in our communities rely on our programs for support. With your help, we can ensure no one goes without the essentials they need.

We are currently accepting:
🥫 Non-perishable food items
🧻 Household essentials
🧼 Hygiene products
💳 Monetary donations

Every donation, big or small, makes a difference.

To donate or learn more, please contact the Canadian Veterans Services Society.

Together, we can continue serving those who need us most.

05/30/2026

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ALLAN

Today, we celebrate more than a birthday.

We celebrate a friend, a mentor, a leader, and a man whose vision has helped create something truly special.

There are people who pass through our lives, and then there are people who leave a lasting mark. Allan, you are one of those people.

Through your dedication, determination, and unwavering belief in others, you have helped build more than a retreat. You have helped build a community. A place where veterans, first responders, families, and friends can gather, heal, laugh, share stories, and simply be themselves.

The gates of Clearwater Retreat welcome people home, but it is your heart, your commitment, and your passion that helped make it feel like home in the first place.

Your impact extends far beyond these grounds. Through your work with the Canadian Veterans Services Society, you have helped create and support food banks serving veterans and their families across Canada, ensuring that those who once served our country never have to face hardship alone. Your commitment to supporting veterans has changed lives from coast to coast and stands as a testament to your belief that service does not end when the uniform comes off.

Whether it's around a campfire under the stars, gathered around a table with friends, sharing a meal, listening to music, or helping a veteran in need, your influence can be found in countless lives and communities across this country.

You have shown us that leadership isn't about titles. It's about service. It's about showing up when it matters. It's about believing in people, even when they don't always believe in themselves.

You have made us laugh, challenged us to be better, encouraged us when we needed it most, and reminded us that no one walks alone.

Today, as we celebrate you, we want you to know that your efforts have not gone unnoticed. The friendships you've built, the lives you've touched, the veterans you've supported, and the communities you've helped create are your legacy, and it is one that continues to grow every day.

On behalf of your Canadian Veteran Services Society and Clearwater Retreat families, your friends, your colleagues, and everyone whose life has been made better because of your presence, thank you.

Thank you for your leadership.
Thank you for your friendship.
Thank you for your dedication.
Thank you for believing in all of us.

May this birthday be filled with laughter, good memories, great stories, and the knowledge that you are deeply respected, greatly appreciated, and genuinely loved by the people around you.

Happy Birthday, Allan.

With gratitude, respect, and friendship,

Your Canadian Veterans Services Society and Clearwater Retreat Family

05/14/2026

Every day, veterans and first responders across Canada face challenges that continue long after their service ends. Many are struggling with mental health, financial hardship, isolation, and the difficult transition back into civilian life. Canadian Veterans Services Society works to provide real support, connection, and hope to those who dedicated their lives to protecting others. But we cannot continue this mission alone. Your donations help us offer emergency assistance, peer support, healing programs, and critical outreach to the heroes who once stood for us. Whether your contribution is one-time, weekly, or monthly, every dollar helps us continue serving those who served Canada.

05/14/2026

😍COMING SOON😍FOR A LIMITED TIME
We have partnered up with Jordan Ridge BBQ sauces for your backyard enjoyment!!
Every bottle carries our support with 100% of proceeds helping our veterans and first responders.
If you can't wait to try out these signature sauces which will be available at our on-line store soon, then head on out to Clearwater Retreat and grab a bottle there!!
Maple Campfire
Great on salmon or meatballs.
Sweet BBQ
Unreal on pulled pork or burgers. Also works really well as a glaze on vegetables if you want to mix things up a bit.
Sweet Jalapeño
A go-to for chicken or ribs. Also surprisingly good in scrambled eggs with peppers and onion, think a bit of a fajita-style scramble.

Grab them while you can and help a veteran and first responder at the same time!!

05/13/2026

Minister Visits Victoria Branch
The Canadian Veteran Services Society’s Victoria food bank branch recently welcomed The Honorable Jill McKnight, Minister of Veteran Affairs, who came to discuss the organization's goals and growth. The visit highlighted the branch's role in supporting veterans and future possibilities for expansion.
During her visit, the Minister met with the founder and President, Mr. Allan Reid, Executive Director, Mrs. Mary Reid and the General Manager of the Victoria branch, Mr. Bill Chisholm. The conversation was engaging and informative, covering topics that include operational aspects and ways to enhance the services provided to veterans, local initiatives and the challenges faced by the branch and the overarching mission and strategic plans of the society.
The Minister helped a veteran with shopping, showing her dedication to understanding their needs. She also participated in a Q&A with veterans and volunteers, gaining insights into community concerns.
Before leaving there was an opportunity where the President and the Minister exchanged coins. This gesture symbolizes mutual respect and shared goals.
The visit concluded positively, strengthening the partnership and the branch's resolve to serve veterans with dedication.

05/08/2026

Warm wishes to you on this Mother's Day Weekend !
It's a time to honor the amazing women who have nurtured and supported us. Whether you're celebrating your mother, a mother figure, or being celebrated, may your day be joyful.
We know Mother's Day can be tough for some. If you've lost a mother or a significant member of your family, this day might feel heavy. Our thoughts are with you, wishing you comfort.

You're not alone. Here are some tips for finding solace:
Honor Memories: Remember the good times and cherish shared memories.
Reach Out: Connect with those who understand your feelings.
Self-Care: Allow yourself to feel and engage in peaceful activities.
Create Traditions: Start a new tradition that brings joy and honors loved ones.

To all, whether celebrating or remembering, may this day bring peace and happiness. Find strength in love and comfort in warm memories.

05/06/2026

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