Vacations for Vets provides veterans with a serious illness or injury with the welcome opportunity to take a vacation with their families. The program, presented by Shell Vacations Club Canada and Canadian Forces Personnel and Family Support Services (CFPFSS) is designed to offer an affordable getaway and a meaningful thank you to those who have served.

“We are thrilled to offer the Vacations for Vets program to Canadian Forces members and veterans,” said Nancy Branco, Corporate Outreach Manager at Canadian Forces Personnel and Family Support Services. “Through Vacations for Vets, certain veterans and their families can have access to one week of free accommodation at one of Shell Vacations Club’s 24 properties throughout North America.”

With travel options ranging from a snowy ski trip to Whistler, B.C., to a beachside getaway in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Shell Vacations Club offers a variety of opportunities for a relaxing holiday.

Since its launch in January, Vacations for Vets has arranged 27 getaways, and applications continue to arrive. The feedback for the program has been overwhelmingly positive, and travel has been arranged for both current military members and veterans. The program has also provided participants with a unique opportunity to travel with their spouses, children and even extended family members.

Travel requests must be accompanied by a Veterans Affairs Canada confirmation letter that validates the veteran is in receipt of a benefit attributable to military service in a Special Duty Area/Special Duty Operation. This includes all Second World War and Korean War veterans with disability benefits related to their war service. Veterans can either submit their entitlement decision letter or contact VAC directly at their toll-free number 1-866-522-2122 (English)/ 1-866-522-2022 (French) for a confirmation letter which does not include any benefit details. Applicants can scan and e-mail the application form to branco.nancy@cfpsa.com.

For more information and to obtain a Reservation Request Form, visit www.cfpsa.com/en/corporate/NewsCentre/Support/VacationsForVets_e.asp. The Reservation Request Form also includes a list of available Shell Vacation Club properties, which can be viewed by visiting www.shellvacationsclub.com.