Legion helping homeless Sask. veterans with donations

After serving their country, some veterans in Saskatchewan are finding themselves homeless.

Royal Canadian Legion Provincial Service Officer Russ Marion spoke on the issue Tuesday with guest host Murray Wood on Gormley.

Marion said veterans make up as much as 10 per cent of the homeless population in Saskatchewan.

“It’s very difficult. It’s touching, it’s emotional – we wish it didn’t exist, but it does,” he said.

Marion pointed to mental illness being one of the reasons so many veterans end up homeless.

“A lot of our veterans are suffering from PTSD and mental health injuries,” he said. “They’re having trouble adjusting to civilian life.”

In an effort to help, the legion has launched a donation drive looking for things like back-packs, winter gear, clothing and snacks.

Donations are being accepted at any legion branch in the province and will be distributed to those in need.