Fondation québécoise des Vétérans | Québec Veterans Foundation (FQV-QVF) is a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to organizations that aim to help Veterans across Québec during their transition to civilian life. Their primary area of focus is related to operational stress injuries, physical and mental health, challenges associated with addiction, and depression.

They provide funding for wellness programs designed to optimize the quality of life of ex-military and to support the treatment and care offered to them and their families.

FQV-QVF has been a trusted program partner of True Patriot Love since 2019. Learn more about our partnership here.

“Many Veterans and their families are marginalized by factors such as physical disabilities and operational stress injuries,” says June Mc Cabe, Executive Director, FQV-QVF. “Supporting inclusive activities for people who are often misunderstood or discriminated against is vitally important.”

Thanks to funding from the Bell True Patriot Love Fund, FQV-QVF is able to deepen and expand its program offerings this year for Veterans as well as their spouses and families.

Equine Therapy

FQV-QVF has longstanding partnerships with equine therapy providers Equi-Sens and LaVoie du cheval which provide programs designed for the unique needs of Veterans and their families.

Beyond the physical benefits such as reducing stress and anxiety, equine therapy offers an invitation to be totally present to our surroundings. Horses’ graceful and powerful movements, deep breathing, and imposing bodies are a grounding experience for participants. Because horses are sensitive to their human partner’s tone and intention, working with horses (when grooming or riding, for example) provides a neutral way to explore unexpressed emotions and stress.

“I suffer from physical pain, PTSD, GAD and depression. Horses have saved my life and sharing this experience is very dear to me. Thank you La Voie du Cheval for offering us this alternative mode of raising consciousness. Congratulations to all participants for their courage to be vulnerable.”

– Hélène, Veteran with 33 years of service, horse owner and program participant

Veterans’ Fair

Now in its second year, this unique day enables Veterans to get information from a broad range of service providers, like Veterans Affairs Canada, Veterans Transition Network, military family resource centres, adaptive sport programs and more. The spring fair will be hosted on April 26, 2025 at Ste-Anne’s Hospital which also offers long-term care, and clinics for Veterans dealing with PTSD and Operational Stress Injuries (OSI).

“One of the benefits of the fair is that it brings Veterans into contact with OSI services and clinics offered at Ste-Anne’s and many other partners but in an unpressured way,” says Mc Cabe. “If they’ve been trying to juggle things on their own, they can get information in a public context which can be less daunting than booking an appointment at the clinic.”

Fly-fishing

FQV-QVF is partnering with Heroes Mending on the Fly Canada to provide fly-fishing programs in the Saguenay region of Québec from May to September.

“How they learn about the sport, the equipment and tying flies is very structured so they can acquire a new skill,” says Mc Cabe. “But the social and therapeutic aspects – and being out in nature and fresh air – are important, too.”

Peer support, in the form of suppers where Veterans can gather and share experiences, is another feature.

“Very nice experience with extraordinary people. It allowed me to take time for myself with former colleagues, something I surely wouldn’t have done on my own.”

“Helps relieve PTSD, to change ideas, feel supported. The activity helps a lot.”

– Testimonials from two participants of Heroes Mending on the Fly Canada

Fly-fishing has been studied as an effective therapeutic, nature-based recreation activity, particularly for Veterans living with PTSD. FQV-QVF also partners with Veteran-owned and -operated Hero Lodge which leads fly-in fly-fishing expeditions for Veterans and their families on Great Slave Lake in the Northwest Territories.

FQV-QVF is continuing its focus on supporting whole-family programs. Spouses, male or female, are generally not part of programs for retired military members but the needs are there and are numerous. Support for them is essential to their well-being and benefits their partner (the Veteran) and their children.

Says Mc Cabe, “If all members of a Veteran family can live a better life in dignity the whole society benefits from it.”