Canadian Veterans and Volunteers Join Forces to Support Afghan Refugees
In response to the Afghan crisis, a collaborative effort led by Aman Lara, Canadian Armed Forces veterans, a dedicated volunteer team, and supported by the True Patriot Love Foundation and Humanity First was launched. This initiative aimed to involve the unique expertise of Canadian veterans in providing mentorship, aid and support to eligible Afghan refugees throughout their resettlement journey, with a special focus on Local Employed Staff (LES) facing safety threats in Afghanistan.
At the heart of this initiative is the recognition of shared experiences and deep understanding between veterans and eligible Afghans. By harnessing the collective strength of the veteran community, the initiative sought to facilitate a more successful evacuation and resettlement process for Afghans, offering veterans a renewed sense of purpose and a tangible way to make a real difference in the lives of their former comrades. In so doing, it further contributed positively to their mental health and helped to address moral injury following the Taliban's takeover.
Objectives
This initiative addressed multiple objectives. Firstly, it aimed to provide a sense of purpose and improved mental health for veterans who had been affected by the collapse of Afghanistan. By empowering them to support those they once served with, the initiative became a source of healing and renewed purpose for the veteran community.
Secondly, the effort was designed to foster stronger connections between veterans and Afghan families. This not only contributed to a more mentally healthy and supportive community but also created a network of understanding that was crucial during the resettlement process.
Lastly, the initiative aimed to assist Afghan families in integrating into Canadian society by leveraging pre-existing professional resettlement resources. By connecting them with veteran volunteers, the initiative ensured a smoother integration process, tapping into the skills and experiences of the veteran community to enhance the support provided to Afghan families.
Engaging veteran volunteers in the volunteer work aspect of the Afghan movement highlights the important role to be played by the veteran community in humanitarian efforts, establishing a bridge of solidarity that goes beyond borders and cultures.
Outcomes
Our Impact
The impacts of the initiative extended beyond direct interventions, fostering international research interest, developing critical resources for resettlement communities, and establishing an international entity in Germany to prevent future conflicts. At the same time, with the support of strategic partnerships, Aman Lara has honed its mission and operational approach, contributing significantly to capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and successfully evacuating individuals from crisis-stricken regions.
It is vital to underscore the invaluable contribution of the True Patriot Love Foundation through its grant. Over the course of the program, we have been able to provide substantial support and services to Canadian Armed Forces Veterans, Afghan refugees and Locally Engaged Staff - a testament to the profound impact of the funding. Our deepest gratitude extends to the foundation for its unwavering support and commitment to this cause.