Gilles Landry (left) and Minister of Veterans Affairs Jill McKnight (right).
Gilles Landry is a Veteran who proudly served Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces for many years, and who has continued to serve Veterans for over 30 years through his involvement in various organizations.
Since his discharge in 1989, Gilles has been actively involved in the Veterans community as a member of Royal Canadian Legion (RCL) Branch 265. He has held various positions, including Vice-President and Service Officer. His contributions to the Remembrance Day commemorations are remarkable. He has actively participated in Veterans’ Week activities and the annual Poppy Campaign, where he has set records for donations. He has repaired wheelchairs and walkers for Veterans in need, and supervised three moves as building manager, including tasks such as plumbing and cleaning. He has participated in the administrative and logistical preparations associated with honouring deceased Veterans and ensured that it was done according to RCL protocol.
Gilles is an essential and highly appreciated volunteer at Maison Triquet, where the majority of residents are non-autonomous Veterans requiring intensive care. He has always been on hand to assist Veterans moving through the halls in order to prevent falls. Gilles played a key role in the acquisition and inauguration of the outdoor monument at Maison Paul Triquet. In addition, he generously donated gifts such as pajamas and dressing gowns to Veteran residents courtesy of the RCL Fund for three consecutive years. He also organized Christmas and Easter celebrations at Maison Triquet. Gilles volunteers his time to help Veterans fill out various Veterans Affairs Canada forms to make sure they receive the services and financial benefits to which they are entitled.
At his own expense, he has made over 100 visits to Veterans, improving their quality of life, supporting them in difficult times and bringing them out of isolation. Even at the age of 77, Gilles remains fully active at the Maison Paul Triquet long-term care facility, where he has volunteered for 35 years. His dedication and exemplary service have left an indelible mark on the community.