The Government of British Columbia honours the services of Canada’s veterans and members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

In recognition, government has provided $21,000 to help TB Vets Charitable Foundation commemorate important milestones in Canadian military history this year, Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Coralee Oakes said today. 

To further honour Canada’s veterans, the B.C. government has proclaimed May 4-10 as TB Vets Week.

TB Vets will commemorate the 70th anniversary of events in the Second World War, including the liberation of the Netherlands by Canadian forces, V-E (Victory in Europe) Day and the end of the war. The organization is also celebrating its founding 70 years ago.

Today, TB Vets and the Consul General of the Netherlands are holding a formal Remembrance Ceremony at the George Derby Centre in Burnaby. For more information, visit: www.tbvets.org

Established originally to help veterans suffering from tuberculosis and other respiratory illnesses, TB Vets has provided key support for disease research, treatment and prevention for decades. Today the organization raises funds to fight respiratory illnesses affecting British Columbians of all ages and from all walks of life.

Quotes:

Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Coralee Oakes -

“Congratulations to TB Vets Charitable Foundation for creating an outstanding legacy of caring and concern for Canada’s veterans. I also commend the organization for expanding its role to serve all British Columbians, providing hope and help to people affected by a range of respiratory diseases in communities across the province.”

Deputy Premier and Military Liaison Minister Rich Coleman -

“This year Canadians are commemorating important events in Canada’s Second World War military history. British Columbians honour our veterans, as well as the outstanding organizations, including the TB Vets Charitable Foundation, that serve them and the community-at-large. Congratulations to the TB Vets on the occasion of your 70th anniversary.”

TB Vets Charitable Foundation chairman Eric Beddis -

“For many years, TB Vets supported veterans with respiratory challenges. Now TB Vets supports British Columbians suffering with respiratory illnesses by providing generous grants for life-saving equipment. Most individuals take breathing for granted, but TB Vets doesn’t. With our great and dedicated donors, we are celebrating 70 years and we are not out of breath yet.”

Quick Facts:

• TB Vets Charitable Foundation offered health, social and economic transitional support to returning Second World War veterans suffering from tuberculosis and other respiratory illnesses.
• Seventy years later, the children and grandchildren of TB Vets founding veterans carry on this legacy.
• In addition to tuberculosis, TB Vets helps fight asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and neonatal ventilation, while supporting:
  • Cutting-edge research.
  • Recreational therapy for patients in long-term isolation.
  • Bursaries for respiratory therapists.
  • Education and prevention programs.
  • Life-saving respiratory ventilators for hospitals and health clinics.

Learn More:

For more information about TB Vets Charitable Foundation, visit: www.tbvets.org

Check out the provincial government’s role in supporting communities, sport, arts and culture through the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development at: http://www.gov.bc.ca/cscd

Media Contacts:

Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 356-6334