Helping veterans and their families in times of need
Since 2016
About the VBF
The Veteran's Benevolent Fund [VBF] is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2016 to assist veterans - and their families - in times of crisis, for service-related injuries or conditions.
The VBF provides emergency financial assistance to veterans whose needs are either not compensated by Veterans Affairs Canada [VAC], or veterans whose application to VAC is pending or under review, and who require urgent and immediate funding to meet their needs and avoid undue financial hardship.
Our Mission
VBF provides emergency financial aid to veterans and their families in times of crisis.
The crisis in question should be caused by, aggravated by, or otherwise related to one's service within or alongside the Canadian Armed Forces [CAF] or Royal Canadian Mounted Police [RCMP].
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VBF's goal is to help and assist veterans and their families in times of crisis when other government programs are insufficient (or untimely) to meet their urgent and unforeseen needs.
Our Services
We provide financial aid to veterans and their families in times of crises, particularly in relation to costs that are not otherwise covered by other government programs and organizations, such as Veterans Affairs Canada, health insurance, etc.
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Below is a list of examples of services and circumstances for which the Board of Directors may approve funding (non-exhaustive list):
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1. Ordinary Necessities of Life: Assistance in paying unforeseen and urgent expenses, such as shelter, transportation costs, essential furniture, clothing, food, water, fuel, etc.
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Specific Circumstances: This aid is reserved only to victims of natural disasters or sudden catastrophes (e.g. death, severe illness, house fire, etc.)
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2. Travel Costs: Travel and transportation fees in relation to a serious illness or death of a family members, where the applicant's physical presence or commute is essential.
For example, this could include travel to return from a remote assignment or posting to tend to family or medical matters, if these travel costs are not otherwise reimbursed.
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Specific Circumstances: This aid is available when the applicant is geographically isolated from family in connection to service and the applicant is morally required to be at a specific location as a result of a serious illness or death of a family member. Occasions where the applicant's attendance is essential may include, but are not limited to, a medical appointment, health treatment, funeral, burial, or family gathering, etc.
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3. Medical Costs: Costs and fees required to maintain or resume health, that would cause the applicant undue financial hardship and which are not otherwise covered by VAC, government health care or private insurance.
This could include the following costs, which are not otherwise covered by insurance or VAC:
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Optical, dental, surgical and prosthetic services and costs;
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Therapies and treatments (for physical and/or mental health);
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Travel and transportation costs for seeking medical care where medical care is not reasonably available in the specific location of the applicant.
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Eligibility
Veterans and their immediate family members can apply for funding. There are no "minimum service" period or specific rank requirements.
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Our Definition of "Veteran" includes:
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Active and retired members of the CAF (Regular Force or Reserve Force)
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Active and retired members of the RCMP (Civilian, Administrative, or Police Force)
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and/or
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Civilian employees, contract workers, and volunteers, who are or were subject to the Code of Service Discipline (as defined by section 60 of the National Defence Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. N-5). This includes persons who are in or on a Defence establishment, or who are accompanying the Canadian Armed Forces.
Board of Directors
Andy Zalkow
Founder and Chairman
Andy is a Canadian-born businessman and philanthropist who started the VBF in Canada to assist Canadian Forces Veterans and their families.
Richard Evraire
Director
Richard retired from the Canadian Forces in 1997 as a Lieutenant-General. Since his retirement, he has remained actively involved in the military and veterans community generously volunteering his time with many military organizations.
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Peter Stoffer
Director
Peter served as a Member of Parliament for the riding of Sackville-Eastern Shore from 1997 to 2015, and he served as the Official Opposition Critic for VAC. He currently works with several military, RCMP veterans and charitable organizations, including the Veterans Legal Assistance Foundation [VLAF].
Michel W. Drapeau
Trustee
Michel retired from the Canadian Forces as a Colonel, having served honourably for 34 years. He subsequently dabbled in politics before becoming a full-time lawyer. He currently works at his own Michel Drapeau Law Office, in Ottawa, which he has been operating since 2002.
Joshua Juneau
Chief Executive Officer
Joshua is a Senior Lawyer at Michel Drapeau Law Office, where he primarily practices in the fields of administrative military law and veterans' law. He has experience in seeking judicial review at the Federal Court of Canada, with regards to VAC benefits and CAF decisions.