Between June 7–8, 2025, Camp Aftermath CEO Farid Yaghini and Chief Mental Health Professional Dr. Whelan were honored to participate in the National Veteran Volunteerism Action Plan (NVVAP) Working Group, hosted by the True Patriot Love Foundation. The session was chaired by long-time Camp Aftermath ally Chris Ayotte, host of The Northern Sentinels Podcast, and brought together a powerful coalition of voices committed to the well-being of veterans.
Participants included Canadian Armed Forces Transition Groups, Veterans Affairs Canada representatives, veteran-led charities involved in the Veterans Volunteerism Initiative, and researchers from CIMVHR. Together, they explored how structured volunteerism can serve as a powerful tool in a veteran’s healing journey and reconnection with purpose post-service.
Camp Aftermath made significant contributions during these discussions by offering a proven model of structured volunteerism, one of our founding pillars. With over seven years of experience, our year-long, trauma-informed, and peer-supported program is uniquely positioned to support national strategies for meaningful veteran engagement.
The working group emphasized that volunteerism must be more than ad hoc service—it must be structured, supported by mental health professionals, and tailored to prevent re-traumatization. Camp Aftermath exemplifies this approach through our phased healing model, ongoing mental health oversight, and community reintegration efforts.
A heartfelt thank you to ONE9 Venture Partners, founded by former Canadian Special Forces members, for graciously hosting this pivotal meeting. Together, we move toward a future where every Canadian veteran has the tools, community, and support to rediscover purpose and thrive in life after service.
