Photo Courtesy ANAVETS

By Tanner Smith

Community

ANAVETS continuing to support local organizations and veterans

Jun 28, 2023 | 2:34 PM

The Grande Prairie Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans (ANAVETS) Unit 389 is continuing 40 years of work in the community, most recently donating $5,000 to the Veterans Association Food Bank in Edmonton.

This donation will be used to fill food hampers, to support struggling veterans and their families across the province.

Vice President Lorne Scobie donating $5,000

Lorne Scobie, 1st Vice President of ANAVETS unit 389 says locally they have nine people that utilize this food service. ” It goes to the veterans in need. If we’ve got veterans on the street, we try to help them. The food hamper is a month’s worth of food for veterans and their families. It’s helping quite a few here.”

Sixteen total local vets are currently involved with the program and are attending meetings, however, Vice President Scobie says this is only a portion of what they have going on currently.

“It’s part of our mandate to help veterans and their families, and it’s not just veterans and families here. It’s preferably Alberta-wide. Every province looks after its own. We’ve also sponsored minor hockey for 30 years. So, you know, we are doing the best we can with what we have.”

Including local minor hockey, this volunteer ran organization supports a number of local not-for-profits, Cadettes, and sports organizations. While also providing services to the general public, such as the Remembrance Day ceremony at the Cenotaph on November 11th.

Scobie added, “As long as we got our heads above water, we’re going to be giving back to the community we live in.”

Photo of Vice President Lorne Scobie and Jon Bartlette

Jon Bartlett, President of ANAVETS unit 389 says working with veterans is just a portion of what they do, as trying to make Grande Prairie a better place to live, is also right at the top of their list.

“Well, we’re all nonprofit organizations so any money that is given to them is really appreciated, and some kids can’t afford to play sports, so by us donating money to them, that helps make their situation, a little bit better.”

ANAVETS will have a busy summer, with plans to take part in the Canada Day parade, attending rodeos and other events to meet with locals and share their vision, and move into their new facility, after selling their old building two years ago.