The BC/Yukon Command of the Royal Canadian Legion Foundation is the fundraising arm of the BC/Yukon Command of the Royal Canadian Legion. Established in 1997, we are a registered charitable organization that serves Veterans across British Columbia and the Yukon. Through the generous donations of individuals and Legion branches, we are able to have a collective impact across British Columbia and the Yukon.

Our Mission

Our objective is to care for Veterans, first responders and their families; and seniors in local communities. We do this by running and providing funding directly to programs that provide:

• Medical services and equipment
• Career transition services
• Research and treatment of trauma and PTSD
• Support for Veterans and seniors experiencing homelessness

Our Programs

In addition to providing funding to other Veteran-serving organizations, we directly support Veterans through two programs: Leave the Streets Behind and Veterans House Victoria.

Leave the Streets Behind supports Veterans experiencing homelessness. Comfort Bags are backpacks with essential items intended to help provide provisions while a Veteran is awaiting housing or is not yet ready for housing. They contain clothing, toiletries, small food items, and are personalized with gender-specific items such as feminine hygiene products. Apartment Kits are a package that includes everything a Veteran would need when moving into permanent housing. They include kitchen items such as pots and pans, linens such as towels and bedding, and basic staples such as cleaning supplies. In both cases, the overall goal is to connect Veterans with other services and supports tailored to their needs.

Veterans House Victoria provides safe transitional housing and connection to services to help ex-military personnel integrate back into society. Peer-supported by volunteers and a live-in caretaker, this program connects Veterans with services such as benefits through Veterans Affairs Canada, career transition services, and military-trauma-informed counseling. Basics such as bus passes and food vouchers are supplied. When Veterans are ready, they are supported in finding permanent housing and are provided with furniture and household goods to make the transition.

Veterans Homelessness Program provides rent supplements, utility payments, rental arrears, rental deposit assistance and wraparound support referrals to eligible Veterans.