On the calendar, it's clearly marked that tomorrow (October 12) is Thanksgiving day, but for many veterans in the area who are struggling with isolation, loneliness, and hunger in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Thanksgiving came two days early.  

Yesterday (October 10) a group of volunteers took 125 hampers, each containing eight ready-to-eat meals from the Veterans Association Food Bank in Calgary and delivered them to veterans living in Airdrie, Crossfield, Carstairs, Okotoks, Cochrane, and other communities around Calgary.  Each hamper also contained a care package full of toiletries and a gift bag. 

Allan Hunter of Airdrie is very involved with the Veterans Association Food Bank and was a volunteer for yesterday's food drop.  He says many of the veterans have a difficult time getting out at the best of times and isolating in the pandemic has exacerbated the problem.

"With these times we have a lot of veterans that have been shut-in and the loneliness and heartbreak and with thanksgiving, and people worrying about spreading we decided we'd do curbside pickups.  We have volunteers from all over the region.  We did one in Edmonton last week but this one is for the Calgary region, Airdrie, Cochrane, Crossfield. We've got veterans all over the place.

Hunter says the food deliveries happen with virus protocols in place with all food prepared according to food safety standards along with masks and sanitizers in place.  However, food deliveries aren't made on a drop-and-go basis.  Each volunteer checks in with the respective veteran to see how they're faring, both physically and mentally.  

"We go to the veteran's residence and connect with them.  It's like a buddy check as well.  We say 'how you doing,' mental health, physical health.  'Is there anything you need, is there anything we can support you with?'  They'll pass this off (hampers and care package) and come back with any information.  Just to connect with them and let them know that we're here and we're going to be here for them, regardless of what's going on."

Hunter says most veterans are reluctant to seek help, which is why it's so important to keep going to them and ask them what they need.  He was amazed at the number of people who came to the Veterans Association Food Bank yesterday saying they wanted to help.    

Hunter can't stress enough just how important it is for all Canadians to remember the sacrifice of veterans at all times, not simply just on November 11th. 

"This is how we connect with them and say Remembrance Day should be 365 days a year.  It should not be once a year.  The price of freedom is greater than one day a year and this is our commitment to remember those that have fallen and those that are still here that are struggling." 

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