Outreach Updates
It’s February…the shortest month in the year! We’re “coasting” towards the spring from the mildest winter I can remember (and I’m old). Even despite this season’s mild temperatures, Outreach Services was still able to help plan some good old-fashioned winter activities, especially in Pictou. Military families of 144 CEF Pictou were busy with a family skate on January 27 and are now preparing for a family sleigh ride and hot chili supper on February 26.
In Sydney, we’ve had a short-term change in staff. Shane Barron has taken some leave and Charlie Reid will be filling this position until Shane’s return. Charlie has a long standing relationship with the Garrison and the H&R MFRC and he will be a great asset to all!
The Garrison is a busy spot during the month of February with an upcoming pre-deployment family briefing on Tuesday, February 7 at 6:30pm in the Officer’s Mess. Military members and families who are interested in learning more about the upcoming rotation to Afghanistan are invited to join us. This is a great opportunity to meet other family members, learn about available programs and services and find out when we will be hosting social activities and events.
Until next month, stay connected with us by visiting our website www.halifaxmfrc.ca and checking out our Facebook page for current programs and activities going on in your community!
Unit Family Rep Extravaganza Training
On January 23, nine Unit Family Reps participated in an Extravaganza Planning Meeting held at the Halifax Site MFRC. This was a significant milestone and a first for the UFRs to be given the opportunity to learn how to sell tickets to military families residing in some of our outreach communities.
The Annual Vacation Lottery Extravaganza is the H&R MFRC’s largest fundraiser with all proceeds going to support the programs and services offered to military families. With monthly draws for awesome vacation destinations, cash and bonus prizes, there is something for everyone in the Extravaganza! Sales begin February 13 to March 2. For more information call 902-427-7208 or visit www.halifaxmfrc.ca.
Outreach Unit Family Reps:
1st Battalion, The NS Highlanders (North): CWO Forbes
2nd Battalion, The NS Highlanders (Cape Breton): Sgt Charlie Reid
35 (Sydney) Field Ambulance: Cpl Jennifer Thomas
36 (Sydney) Service Battalion: Sgt Kenny Craig
725 Communication Squadron – Glace Bay: Sgt Jason McNeil
84 Ind Bty Regiment: PO2 Monette
144 Construction Engineer Flight Pictou: Cpl Mackenzie
CFB Halifax Det – Sydney: PO1 Brad Kelly
CFRC – Sydney: Cpl Joan Melnick
PEIR: 2Lt Dwyer
144 CEF Pictou Sleigh Ride and Chili Supper
James MacLeod Sleigh Rides – 20 MacLeod Rd, French River, Pictou County
Family and friends of 144 CEF Pictou are invited to enjoy some good old-fashioned winter fun during an afternoon sleigh ride. Bring your blanket and get cozy for this scenic ride through winter trails! After the sleigh ride, everyone will warm up with some hot chocolate and a chili dinner. Don’t miss out on this great winter family activity fit for all ages!
Sunday, February 26, 2:30-5:30pm
No cost to participants
Registration Deadline: Monday, February 20, 4:00pm. Call the H&R MFRC toll free 1-888-753-8827 for more information and to register for this activity.
Prevention Support and Intervention…there for you and your family!
Are you looking for information on parenting, reducing stress, managing separation, mental health issues or other topics? Do you need someone to talk to, but are unsure of where to turn? It’s okay if you don’t have all of the answers to these questions. The H&R MFRC is here to help you find answers!
The H&R MFRC has four Prevention, Support and Intervention social workers who are available to speak with military family members and provide information and/or support. We are able to offer a confidential service to help you and your family develop a plan and walk away with resources to help see that plan through. These services are accessible to all military families in the communities we serve across Nova Scotia, by just a quick phone call to our toll free 24 hour/7 day per week phone line, 1-888-753-8827.
Some people prefer having face-to-face meetings on a more therapeutic level. Military family members have access to social workers within their community (or nearby) through the Canadian Forces Member Assistance Program (CFMAP). This service is confidential and provided at no cost. To be connected with CFMAP, call 1-800-268-7708.
Nova Scotia also has a number of helplines setup to provide people with information and support for any topic. Some of them include:
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
The Gambling Helpline: 1-888-347-8888
Parent Helpline: 1-888-603-9100
Pictou County Helpline: 902-752-5952
Halifax Helpline: 902-421-1188
The Smokers Helpline: 1-877-513-5333
Sydney Helpline: 902-562-4357
Truro Help Line: 902-893-3333
Youth Helpline: 1-800-420-8336
Many of us at some point find ourselves distressed, or looking for information. Each of these helplines has been put into place to assist individuals through difficult times. If you have any questions about these services that are available to you and your family, please feel free to contact the H&R MFRC Prevention, Support and Intervention team.
MFRC Activities and Resources
Unit Family Rep Coffee Connection
Halifax Site MFRC
Attention all Unit Family Reps! Join the H&R MFRC for our bi-monthly coffee connection. This is a great opportunity to connect with other unit family reps, network and receive current information, while enjoying refreshments and treats on us.
Tuesday, February 14, 10:00am-12:00pm
Call 902-427-7788 or 1-888-753-8827 (toll free) for more information.
Deployment Resources
If your family is experiencing a deployment, we encourage you to checkout our Deployment Readiness Video Series from our friends at the Esquimalt MFRC that highlights some of the joys and challenges associated with deployment. Checkout the links below!
* Re-establishing Your Relationship
http://vimeo.com/12469858
* Singles Homeward Bound
http://vimeo.com/12948592
* They’re Back!
http://vimeo.com/esquimaltmfrc
* The ‘D’ Word
http://vimeo.com/13713585
We also have included a list of deployment related resources we have at the H&R MFRC. Email outreach@halifaxmfrc.ca to request a copy of any of these resources.
* A Guide to Deployment
* Parents Helping Children Through Deployment
* Parent’s Guide to Deployment
* One Day at a Time Deployment Journal
* Emergency/Respite Childcare Plan
* Childcare Options
Community Events
Truro Winter Long John Festival: February 5-11
Douglas Street Recreation Centre, 40 Douglas Street, Truro, NS
Be sure to checkout the Truro Winter Long John Festival and enjoy a week filled with sports, leisure and cultural activities fit for all ages. Don’t forget to put on your long johns and take advantage of some fun outdoor activities like sledding, skating, skiing and much more! Visit www.truro.ca for more information.
Pictou Winter Carnival: February 10-11
Pictou, NS
Don’t miss out on the Annual Pictou Winter Carnival this year! The event will be filled with both indoor and outdoor activities for the entire family and even a pancake breakfast. Visit www.townofpictou.ca for more information and a schedule of events.
Heritage Day at the Fortress of Louisbourg: February 19
Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site
Come out and enjoy a winter day filled with snowshoeing and geo-caching at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. This day will be filled with outdoor activities for all ages! Visit www.pc.gc.ca/louisbourg for more information.
Bay St. Lawrence Community Centre Winter Carnival: February 25
Bay St. Lawrence Community Centre – 3160 Bay St. Lawrence Road
Bring your family out to enjoy this fun winter carnival that will feature ice sculpture contests, tug o’ war and games for all ages. There will also be a BBQ and hot chocolate available. Call 902-383-2334 for more information.
24 Hour Winter Activity Day: February 25-26
Amherst
Join the community of Amherst for the 2nd Annual 24 hour winter activity day. There will be a variety of free winter related activities throughout the town for people of all ages. Visit www.amherst.ca for more information.
