Veterans Association Food Bank raffles trappers cabin to save lives
It's a fully insulated three by four metre cabin and they'll deliver it to the winner anywhere in the province - but the shelter and safety the little trappers shack provides goes far beyond its four walls.
The cozy shelter is raising money to provide emergency services for veterans, many of them suffering from mental trauma from their service.
"We kind of talk that food gets them in the door, and once we have them in the door we can talk and we can find out what else is going on," said Charles Redeker, director of the Veterans Association Food Bank. "There's an underlying cause for why they've come in for food."
The cabin was built in honour of Cpl. (Ret'd) Jason Oliver, who moved to Calgary in 2007 after his service with the Canadian Forces ended. Oliver struggled for years with the fallout from his time in uniform, at times ending up in psychiatric care.
"A lot of mental health injury as a result of his service, and he and his family we provided a lot of support for," Redeker said.
At times he was doing better and ran a hugely popular haunted house each year for Halloween.
In January of 2021 Oliver took his own life, leaving behind two adult children and two young daughters. He was 47.
The Veterans Association Food Bank is working with about 1,000 retired service members in the Calgary area. The programs and interventions they offer - such as preventing evictions or utilities disconnects - help keep those men and women from "going dark" as Redeker calls it: disappearing and retreating from the world.
"If there's somebody in your life that seems to be struggling, reach out and have that conversation, because sometimes that's the start of pulling them out of the darkness," Redeker said.
The insulated tiny cabin has electricity and is built to meet most municipal regulations, allowing it to be placed in a yard with no permits required.
The rustic retreat isn't everyone's thing, so VAFB - which is a registered charity - is also offering a 50/50 draw.
Tickets are available through their website at www.vafb.ca
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.