True Patriot Love
Algonquin Adventure 2021

A journey of healing through the Canadian wilderness

Since 2012, True Patriot Love Foundation has produced eight ambitious expeditions around the world, pairing business leaders with members of the Canadian Armed Forces and Veterans. These expeditions highlight the perseverance and unconquerable spirit of our military members and Veterans in the face of adversity.

Building on this experience and in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenging realities associated with it, True Patriot Love is launching a ground-breaking new program that will bring together military servicemembers and frontline healthcare workers for a journey of healing through the Canadian wilderness. The program will support mental health and well-being, recognizing that servicemembers and healthcare workers may be facing common mental health challenges that have been magnified due to the pandemic.

Studies have shown that one in five Canadian Veterans suffers from mental disorders at some point in their lives, with the most common disorders being depression, PTSD and anxiety disorders. The pandemic has made the situation even more difficult for those who were already suffering. That’s why True Patriot Love Foundation wants to help. The organization has already provided support to many community programs in response to COVID 19 and has now found another way to help in this very difficult year, in recognition of the military and civilian front-line health workers who worked tirelessly to provide care during the health crisis.

Most mental health issues facing military members are also known to front-line workers in hospitals, clinics and long-term care facilities. The Foundation will bring together military and front-line health workers for a healing journey through Canada’s wilderness. Military participants and civilian health care workers will be united by their experience working in crisis situations, giving them a common basis for telling their stories, acquiring new skills and improving their ability to handle stressful situations.

Active military servicemembers and Veterans who themselves have faced increased issues due to the pandemic will have the opportunity to come together with frontline healthcare workers to share their experiences and to heal. Military participants will provide the healthcare workers with valuable insight on resiliency gained through their training and combat experience, while at the same time acquiring new perspectives to assist them with their own challenges. Using nature as the backdrop, participants will learn new skills, enhance their ability to cope with stressful situations, forge new friendships and grow their support networks. Participants will gain confidence, strength and self-reliability, better positioning them to move forward.

This event was made possible by the generous supporters of Fund A Need during our 12th Annual Tribute Gala. With special thanks to Canso Investment Counsel for matching the donations from the evening.