Kotak Law donation to Wounded Warriors Canada Kids program supports mental health

A local law firm is marking Remembrance Day with a generous donation to Wounded Warriors Canada Kids Virtual Program.

Kotak Personal Injury Law gifted the charity with $3,500 to support the mental health of ill and injured veterans, first responders and their families. The donation will allow five children of first responders or veterans to participate in the program.

“It is really important that the needs of children, when it comes to mental health, are addressed at an early age,” said Nainesh Kotak, who is the founder of the law firm.

The program was created to increase awareness of the secondary impact trauma has on children, especially those with a parent diagnosed with an operational stress injury such as PTSD, from service-related experiences.

While multiple treatment programs have been made for caregivers, Kotak said there are limited initiatives to support children who have been impacted by parental operational stress injuries.

The goal of this new program is for kids to form positive relationships with peers, learn about the injury and develop healthy coping skills.

“Children talk and express what’s going on to develop their confidence and their ability to overcome the hardships that they’re facing,” Kotak said.