As strong advocate for Veterans, Michael (Mike) Turner has dedicated much of his time supporting Veterans through his involvement with several Veteran associations such as The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 11 (eight years), the Canadian Army Veterans Motorcycle Unit 1st Division, Normandy Unit President (six years) and the Operational Stress Injury Special Section (seven years).
As a Veteran, Mike relates very well with his fellow comrades and is known to be an attentive and compassionate listener. He instills a sense of ease and trust in all those he helps. Over the last eight years, as a volunteer Veteran Service Officer with The Royal Canadian Legion, he has helped over 90 Veterans with their applications and claims for benefits through Veterans Affairs Canada. He can explain and simplify the benefit process on a case-by-case basis and supports people in ill health and limited literacy in the completion of the applications. He performed similar duties from 2018-2019 as a volunteer for the Toronto Military Family Resource centre.
Mike joined the Canadian Army Veterans Motorcycle unit in 2018. Initially, he joined for his own pleasure and to support the mission of the organization: “to ride, have fun while helping others.” He quickly took on a leadership role and is currently the President of the Normandy Unit of the 1st Division.
That same year, he joined the Special Unit of The Royal Canadian Legion OSI and was appointed Deputy for the Greater Toronto Area. As part of this volunteer role, he actively searched for Veterans who require support or who were unable to find the recourses they were entitled to. This led to his participation in the “Boots to the Ground” program. He was active in visiting respite centres, shelters and food service locations, looking under bridges and areas where homeless people resided. Although the directive was to assist Veterans, Mike also sought to help all others in need as well.
Most recently, because of his experience and outstanding reputation, he was asked if he would join the executive of the East Toronto Veterans Association: an association for Veterans by Veterans, with a focus on comradery, support and recognition.
As part of his involvement with The Royal Canada Legion, Mike is active in the promotion of remembrance. He is also the Chair and Campaign Organizer for the local Poppy Campaign. Mike has led multiple fundraising campaigns, collaborating with community volunteers, raising over $140,000 to date to support the well-being of Veterans. He takes two to four weeks off work to focus on the campaign and its management. He has also organized and administered the annual St. John Norway Parade and ceremony (D-Day), the East York Remembrance Day service, and a special remembrance service for the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
Mike also assisted families with aspects of funeral services and accessing Last Post Fund subsides. He is also trained in Mental Health First Aid and provides peer support to many Veterans struggling with various serious medical conditions, life challenges and post-traumatic stress disorder on a regular basis.