Released on November 7, 2019
Veteran Care Packages Distributed At Government House In Annual CeremonyToday, Provincial Military Liaison and Moose Jaw-Wakamow MLA Greg Lawrence marked 75 years since Canadian soldiers stormed the beaches of Normandy with a century-old tradition of care packages for soldiers.
“During the First and Second World War, a popular activity in North America was to send care kits of stitchery, knitting, letters and snacks to soldiers on the front lines to raise morale and thank them for protecting our rights and freedoms at home,” Lawrence said. “Today, we continue to mark the sacrifice and service of our Canadian Forces by providing modern care kits to veterans.”
The Provincial Capital Commission leads this initiative in partnership with the Regina Stitchery Guild, Royal Canadian Legion and the UnderstandUs mental health initiative. Kits include a letter of thanks and encouragement, hand-crafted scarf and cross-stitch ornament, UnderstandUs ball cap and the information cards How to Help Yourself and How to Help Others.
“This is another opportunity for us all to highlight the importance of good mental health,” Lawrence said. “For veterans, for seniors, and for all Saskatchewan citizens, mental health is not an absolute. As with physical health, there are levels of mental health and everyone should take the time to take care of themselves and seek help without stigma when they need it.”
Veterans gathered at a small ceremony at Government House today. The ceremony served two purposes: to honor their service and distribute the care kits.
About the partners:
The Provincial Capital Commission is dedicated to providing enhanced visitor experiences and educational programming in Wascana Centre and at Government House to inspire pride in Saskatchewan's capital city, while focusing on stewardship.
The Royal Canadian Legion, Saskatchewan Command serves veterans, which includes serving military and RCMP Members and their families, to promote remembrance, and to serve their communities and country.
The Regina Stitchery Guild promotes and encourages stitchery in all its forms, offering programs, lectures, workshops and community initiatives such as this one.
UnderstandUs is a volunteer initiative that combats the stigma of mental health.
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For more information, contact:
Jonathan Tremblay
Government Relations
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6156
Email: jonathan.tremblay@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-541-6334