Registered Charity 71985 9480 RR0001

About Veterans Association Food Bank

Our Mission

Called To Serve You

As a community of Veterans Helping Veterans, we strive to provide Veterans help across Alberta. Whether in Calgary, Lethbridge, Edmonton, or Grande Prairie, we work together to create healthy and resilient futures, advocating for Veterans’ rights and supporting Canadian military families.

Our Story

Since August 2018, The Veterans Association Food Bank has worked to create a support system for the Veteran community, advocating for Veterans’ rights and assisting Canadian military families. You matter each and every time you walk through the door.

Marie Blackburn brought the Veterans Association Food Bank to life. She is a Veteran family member and saw the loss felt by the Veterans she had come to know throughout her time working alongside other Veterans. Her driving force is to remove the risk of hunger, homelessness, and isolation Veterans face without a dedicated system in place to help. She continues to be determined to fill the void and be the voice of The Veteran Association Food Bank.

The Veteran Association is more than a Food Bank. It is a safe place. The Veterans Helping Veterans initiative is a program developed to connect to what is needed by Veterans and their families. It’s an ongoing program that is growing and evolving as The Veterans Association Food Bank does.

Currently, The Veterans Association Food Bank serves Veterans in Calgary, Lethbridge, Edmonton, and Grande Prairie. We are growing our programs and reaching out to more Veterans than we thought possible. The work is never done, and we will never give up.

Get the Help You Need

We understand that reaching out for support services as a Veteran can be challenging. At the Veterans Association, we want to assure you that we:

Treat all Veterans with dignity and respect.

Operate a food bank that will sustain the needs of our Veterans.

Ensure Veterans globally get support navigating Canadian Veterans' law and accessing all available programs.

Encourage all Veterans in our community to be a part of the Veterans Helping Veterans initiative.

Ensure that all donations made to the Veterans Association Food Bank directly support Veterans through programs and services.

Enrich the lives of Veterans by providing employment opportunities.

Who We Serve

We're Here For Our Veterans

The Veterans Association Food Bank recognizes any person who is currently serving or has honourably served in the Canadian Armed Forces. It also recognizes and offers support to those currently serving, honourably discharged, or honourably released Commonwealth Allies, members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Peacekeepers, Merchant Marines, or Ferry Command (Coast Guard). Support will be extended to Canadian military families: spouses, widows, widowers, and any dependent children in need. Proof of military service or affiliation is required.

Vet·er·an /ˈvedərən,ˈvetrən/

“Any former member of the Canadian Armed Forces who successfully underwent basic training and is honourably discharged.”

Leadership & Board of Directors

Marie Blackburn

Founder, Executive Director

Allan Hunter

Vice Chairman

Cynthia Ashe

Director

Chris Lefaivre

Treasurer

George Carbert

Director

David Kidd

Director

Leo Boyd

Director

Shane Jennings

Director

Justin Yaassoub

Director

Our Impact

Veterans are served annually across Alberta.
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Successful job placements through our employment programs.
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Pets are supported through our Pet Promise Program.
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Community events per year.
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Our Impact Goes Beyond Numbers.

It’s in the smiles of Veterans reunited with their families, the confidence of those who find meaningful employment, and the joy of community events.

We are dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of those who have served our country.

We're Here For You

If you’re a Veteran in need, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to listen, offer support, and help you navigate whatever challenges you may be facing.

Whether you are in Calgary, Lethbridge, Edmonton, or Grande Prairie, we are dedicated to providing Veterans help wherever you are.

Be A Helping Hand

Ready to make a difference in the lives of Veterans across Alberta? There are countless ways you can get involved with VAFB:
Volunteer Your Time
Your skills and passion can have a real impact. Whether you’re sorting food donations, mentoring a veteran, or assisting in our thrift stores, we have a place for you.
Make A Donation
Your generosity ensures we can continue providing vital services in Calgary, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, and other communities. Every dollar goes directly to helping Veterans secure food, housing, employment, and emotional support.

Publications

We believe in transparency and accountability in everything we do. Our annual reports provide a comprehensive overview of our finances, programs, and impact, showcasing how your support makes a real difference in the lives of Veterans.

Annual Report 2019-2020 (PDF)

Download

Annual Report 2020-2021 (PDF)

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VAFB Financials Ended 05/31/2020

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You Are Not Alone

We’re here to support you with the respect and dignity you deserve. Explore our resources and programs tailored to your needs.