Aftermath members and volunteers at the Boots On the Ground Walk in Ottawa
On December 16, 2017, on a chilly but sunny day in Ottawa, Camp Aftermath volunteers Michelle, Mackenzie, and Farid joined VETS Canada on their boots on the ground (BOG) walk.
The BOG walk is conducted monthly by VETS Canada volunteers to search for veterans who are homeless or who may be in crisis on the streets or in homeless shelters.
There were over 20 VETS Canada volunteers consisting of both active and retired military members, their family members, and other caring people from all walks of life.
Two of the volunteers, Richard Maccallum and Robert Drake, were previously homeless and were actually “rescued” by VETS Canada volunteers in a previous BOG walk several years ago. Now, they join volunteers in trying to provide the same kind of care for current homeless veterans in need of help.
It was a truly humbling experience for Aftermath volunteers who got to experience the need for assistance in providing care for the homeless in Ottawa. Additionally, it served as a reaffirmation of what lies at the core of Camp Aftermath’s guiding principle, which is the long-term management of PTSD through active philanthropy.
In the same spirit, all of the VETS Canada volunteers, including Robert and Drake, confirmed that they participate in BOG walks because it gives them a sense of purpose and a sense of belonging to something greater than themselves.
Camp Aftermath volunteers are greatly appreciative to VETS Canada for their warm welcome and for the opportunity to take part in this amazing event.
