Hanna Robertson

www.bcmfrc.com
Opening Hours MFRC:
Jericho Site
Mo-Fr 10am-4pm
Chilliwack Site
Mo-Fr 10am-4pm
JANUARY
2010
Newsletter!
Deployment Info
Page 3-5
UFSR contacts
Page 3
Past Events
Page 7-10
Upcoming Events
Page 11
Discount Partners
Page 12
SOT Merchandise
Page 13
As the torchbearer of the Olympic flame ran passed my house this week, it reminded me
how exciting the New Year will be and especially the coming months for a lot of our
soldiers who are tasked in OP Podium.(the Vancouver Olympic Games)
In this New Year, many BC families will continue to deal with deployment. The MFRC
together with the DSG and JPSU, will offer deployment briefings at the end of January
and beginning of February, so if you can, come out for deployment information and meet
other families as well (page 3 for dates and locations). I’m looking forward to meet the
faces behind the voices, I have been in touch with through our SIT (Stay In Touch)
program. Everyone is invited, but be careful with winter driving conditions. Please
RSVP with Hanna, DSG Vancouver or your UFSR at the local military unit (page 3).
Don’t forget that the free parcel service with Canada Post will “wrap” up on the 15th of
January 2010, while the free card and letter service will continue.
On Page 2 you will find the New Year’s Wishes from our Executive Director Rick
Cuttell with a renewed commitment from your MFRC to serve all our military families
as best we can in 2010.
I looked back at my New Year’s intention of last year, which of course I thought would
come true if I proclaimed it on the front page of this newsletter……Well it did not
happen /. I am glad that Nicole our IPS/JPSU Coordinator wrote a nice article on page
2 to that effect and that you should not be too discouraged if your resolution did not
come true.
In December the MFRC was again part of the SEARS OP Wish event in Vancouver and
one of our deployed families did a great job in representing the military families at that
event (page 6). On the 11th of December, the Naden Band of Maritime Forces Pacific
played at the Chan Centre (page 9) and enchanted many. We had another successful
cookie exchange at our Jericho Site on the 12th of December as well (page 9)
Don’t forget the Robbie Burns’ Fundraising
dinner for the MFRC on the 16th of January!
Have a safe and healthy New Year!
Thought of the month:
Programs &Services Page 14
Calendar
Page 16
“I am not
young enough
to know
everything”
Oscar Wilde
Our thoughts are with the
families of soldiers, who have
made the ultimate sacrifice!
Take Care and SIT
Family Separation & Reunion
Hanna Robertson
2
2010 is going to be an Exciting Year!
What an exciting time to be involved with the Military Family Resource Centre.
With the Olympics in our own backyard, the military support through Op Podium –39th Brigade Head Quarters will house over 600
soldiers. Of these soldiers 218 are made up of BC Regular and Reserve forces.
In September 2009, the largest BC deployment since the Korean War, TF3-09 sent 130 BC soldiers to Afghanistan. In the early
months of 2010, many of these soldiers will be returning to Canada and their base BC Units.
All this having been said 348 soldiers with family members living in Mainland BC will generate over 600 MFRC family contacts
each and every month. As you can imagine the MFRC will be very busy keeping track of each family, any issues and making sure the
proper referrals are made in a timely manner. The impact of the military families can be felt in 69 communities spread throughout the
Province of BC.
To service 69 communities, the MFRC will need a lot of volunteers. It is our intention to coordinate these volunteers to assist with
peer support, fund development and community awareness. The more the community is aware of the MFRC, the greater the support
for military families. You want something to do, get involved and volunteer to develop the RED Friday Campaign in your
community.
The Board has set the policies and direction for the staff. It is the staff’s responsibility to design and implement strategies to meet the
Board’s goals.
The Board has decided to make a closer connection with all 23 Units throughout the Province. It is their intention to actively contact
each unit’s CO throughout the year to discuss the challenges, the services required and the community imprint being deployed by the
units in each of their respective communities. The staff has the responsibility of planning, contacting and organizing over 40 Special
Events to increase the community awareness of the MFRC. Last year we were involved in 14 Special Event. At each special event we
will sell Support Our Troops and their Families merchandise and educate the general public on the programs and services provided by
the MFRC. An equally exciting initiative will be the development of five Corporate Sponsorship proposals to support Community
Family Support Groups, (and Unit) activities and expand our Discount Sponsorship Program to 5 more communities.
Last year, TELUS and SEARS were of
significant support to the MFRC and we are looking
forward to working with them again in 2010.
On behalf of the Board of Directors,
we wish for a 2010 speedy return of all our soldiers
and for a healthy and happy New Year
for all military family members.
Richard Cuttell - Executive Director
NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS
By Nicole Bedard
January is resolution season. This can be seen as an encouraging time of year, acknowledging that with a New Year comes a new
beginning and time to set plans into action and get back to the routine that the holidays disrupted. But for some, resolution season is
seen as a discouraging time because it focuses on what we either didn’t do the year before or what we didn’t do well. How many
times have you heard, “I meant to go to the gym three times a week, but I never went. This year will be different!” If you find (like
me) that this sounds like you, remember the words of Debi MacDonald: to set a successful goal you need to make it specific,
measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound. We often fail at our resolutions because we set unrealistic, unachievable goals that
are ambiguous and hence our success can not be properly measured. So if you are going to make a resolution this year, do it right by
making it small, reasonable, specific and set a deadline for your self.
Another way to beat the resolution blues is to focus on and acknowledge the things that you have accomplished. Why not take the
time to recognize and appreciate the challenges you have successfully faced, the ways you have found to cope, and the distance you
have come so far in this deployment experience? Instead of just focusing on the things that shoulda/coulda/woulda done in the past
year, take some time to recognize what has gone well in your life and appreciate your efforts.
2
3
DEPLOYMENT INFO
LFWA Deployment Support Group
Vision: To provide effective, helpful and personalized support to members and their
families during the extended absence of military and civilian members of the Department.
Mandate: To provide quality local support services to families of military members
deployed on: • Missions • Taskings • Field Exercises
• Restricted Postings
• Courses and other absences on temporary duty of 28 days or more
Services:
• Direct referral to appropriate specialized civilian or military service
• Helpful information accessible through the internet,
our information package and our newsletter
• Periodic reunions and information sessions
• Free mail service during deployments
• Personalized • Bilingual
Our service is: • Confidential
• Respectful and constitutes your primary resource during your soldier's absence
If your soldier is deployed, please don’t
forget to notify the DSG, his/her military
unit or Hanna with the civic address and
phone number where to reach you, in the
unlikely event of an emergency!
Kamloops
26 JAN @ 7 PM
Kelowna
What is SIT? S(taying)I(n)T(ouch) is a program designed for
Military Family members (and their close friends) with a monthly
(or more/or less) contact (either/and/or by phone/in person/via email) with the SIT coordinator from the MFRC.
Why ask for SIT? SIT enables you to speak with a SIT coordinator
who will be one of your points of information regarding the
deployment. The SIT call is often a social call to make sure you are
able to deal with the separation and to make the threshold smaller
between Military and Civilian world.
Who can receive SIT? Any Family Member and/or Friend of the
Military family.
When can you request SIT? You can request SIT when your
Military Member is on a deployment, training (for a deployment) or
on a course (in excess of 30 days) and on Imposed Restriction.
27 JAN @ 7 PM
Trail
28 JAN @ 7 PM
Chilliwack
2 FEB @ 7 PM
Vancouver
3 FEB @ 7 PM
DID YOU KNOW that the MFRC currently is not allowed to
contact the family members of deployed/soon to be deployed
soldiers without a completed MFRC info sheet?
DID YOU KNOW that all the MFRCs across the country will try to
coordinate the MFRC info sheets so you will receive support from
your local MFRC?
DID YOU KNOW that miscommunications still lead to family
members being missed on the SIT list?
For more info: contact SIT Coordinator Hanna Robertson
[email protected] or 604 225 2520 ext 2550.
Your Privacy will be respected!
New
Westminster
9 FEB @ 7 PM
Rocky Mountain Rangers
1221 McGill Road
Kamloops, BC V2C 6K7
250.851.4894
British Columbia Dragoons
720 Lawrence Ave
Kelowna, BC
250.712.4227
39 Combat Engineer Regiment
1990 Seventh Ave
Trail, BC V1R 3C3
250.368.2129
Area Support Unit Chilliwack
5535 Korea Road
Chilliwack, BC V2R 5P2
604.858.1195
15 Field Regiment
2025 W. 11th Ave
Vancouver, BC
604.666.4371
Royal Westminster Regiment
530 Queens Ave
New Westminster, BC V3L 1K3
604.666.4282
British Columbia Regiment
620 Beatty Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 2L9
604.666.4368
10 FEB @ 7 PM
17 Feb - Victoria
18 Feb - Nanaimo
19 Feb - Comox
Vancouver
3
UFSR (Unit Family Support Representative) Contacts
39 CBG
DSC
Vancouver
Capt. Richard
Van Slyke
[email protected]
[email protected]
DSC Asst
39 CBG
HQ
BCR
Vancouver
Cpl.Carole Bronson
[email protected]
[email protected]
Vancouver
Vancouver
BCD
Kelowna
5 RCA
Victoria
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Rob.leblanc @forces.gc.ca
Debbie.barry @forces.gc.ca
[email protected]
15 RCA
Vancouver
North
Vancouver
Capt.Alex Haussmann
Capt. Jennifer Hillman
Sgt Connie Uetz
Lori Kirschner
Capt.Rob LeBlanc
Sgt.Debbie Barry
Lt.George Lenis
Capt Michael Maassen
WO RC Snelgrove
MWO Sharman Thomas
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
39 CER
RWestmrR
Seaforth of
Canada
C Scot R
RM
Rangers
[email protected]
[email protected]
604 666-4398
250 363-3007
MCpl Marc Jacobs
Cpl Tyrone Carter
Major Gerry Jones
WO Steven Sandahl
MWO Tom Park
WO Pat Taylor
Sgt.Phil Spicer
2Lt. Erika Johnson
Sgt Trent Lum
MCpl Amanda King
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
250 851-4896
11 Svc Bn
12 Svc Bn
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
New
Westminster
Aldergrove
WO Frank Smith
Maj Ken Orr
MCpl Colby Walsh
Cpl Mike Campbell
MCpl David Scrivens
Vancouver
Victoria
MCpl.Pat Farrell
Cpl.Kerri-Ann Clark
[email protected]
Kamloops
12 MP Pl
Victoria
Richmond
Richmond
Victoria
11 Fd Amb
Victoria
604-681-7949
[email protected]
Capt.Gavin Robertson
Chilliwack
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
604 225-2520
x 2562
604-225-2520
x 2626
604 225-2520
x 2439
604 763-7707
250 712-4248
250 712-4243
250 363-8270
250 363-3715
604 722-4048
778 551-0837
250 368 6804
250-368-6065
604-858-1011
ext 6002
604 858-0813
604-666-4282
604-857-9401
604-857-9434
Trail
39 CER
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
12 Fd Amb
Vancouver
6 Int Coy
741 Comm
Vancouver
Victoria
2Lt Henry Kwok
Sgt Robin Kierstead
2Lt Vladimir Avila
Capt.Gordon Hodson
744 Comm
748 Comm
Vancouver
Nanaimo
MWO Anthony Toyer
Capt.John Browne
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
4
250 851-4929
250 318 7815
250-363-3746
604 666-4039
604 666-4031
250 363 8343
250-363-8361
604 225 2520
x2457
604-464-4341
604 225-2520
250-363-4386
604 225-2520
x2519
250 755-5350
Coffee mornings in Chilliwack
Are you a mom, spouse, sister of a currently deployed soldier?
Why not sign up for the AFGHANISTAN LADIES’ COFFEE with Ann Adkins.
In January they meet Thursday, the 7th and 21st around 10 AM.
Are you family or friend of military?
Join us for coffee mornings in January the 14th and 28th at 10 AM
Please RSVP with Ann Adkins at 604.858.1162 or [email protected]
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5
Hello, all:
Southern Afghanistan (or the tiny bit I see) is flat and very dusty. The temperature currently ranges between 5
and 25 Celsius, which is relatively pleasant but the temperature shift also helps to develop strong winds. These
strong winds blow the sand. The sand gets everywhere. A little respite is on the way, however. We had our
first drops of rain yesterday. Soon there will be heavy rainstorms which will turn the dustbowl into a sea of
mud. These rains are what allow the poppy crop to grow, providing a valuable cash crop and a great deal of
local economic stimulus. The end product provides a lot of stimulus, too, or so I have heard!
As the weather cools and dampens, many of the indigenous vermin make their annual migration from under
rocks and buildings to the warmer, drier environment of houses and offices. Fortunately, there are few snakes
here in KAF to worry about but there is a health (depending upon your perspective) population of mice. These
wee beasties are everywhere, under foot and getting into my pop tarts. We have a cat, named OPSEC, but she is
too well fed to chase mice. We even dangled a live mouse in front of her but she only sniffed it and gave it a lick
before dozing off again. So what are we to do about the mice?
This brings me to the point of today’s letter - my pet, Cammie. He is a 2 pound Camel Spider who lives on a diet
consisting mainly of mice. Over the past weeks he has become quite used to living amongst the people here at
ASIC. He is usually active a night, when it is cooler and there are fewer people about. During the day he naps,
usually on a folder towel under my desk. He doesn't snore but I believe I hear him grinding his mandible
occasionally. If I accidentally kick him, he will hiss and bite my boot.
We are getting used to the pitter patter of little claws running around the office at night. The girls have gone
from being afraid of the mice to feeling a little sympathetic when they hear one meeting its end. A couple of the
guys are trying to interest Cammie in junk food, but spiders don't chew their food, they suck it up, so the only
things other than mice that we see Cammie ingest are grapes. Maybe he likes the sweetness of the juice.
Enclosed are a couple of pictures of Cammie in his habitat.
Captain Graham J Reimer
WO Rob
Skrypchuk
5
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PAST EVENTS
Sears Canada Invites Canadians to Send their Best Wishes to Canadian Troops
As part of Sears Operation Wish, a program sponsored by Sears Canada in co-ordination with the Canadian Forces Personnel
and Family Support Services (CFPFSS), several signature banners were unveiled at special ceremonies at Sears stores in Vancouver,
Toronto, Edmonton, Quebec City and Halifax. They will be sent to Afghanistan in time for Christmas.
In Vancouver, the banner was unveiled to the public at Sears on Robson at a special ceremony on Thursday the 3rd of December. The
public was then invited to add their signatures in support for our troops.
Heather McDonald was first to sign a banner of support for Canadian troops in Afghanistan Thursday at the downtown Vancouver
Sears store.
Two of her three sons, Andrew and Jeff, are among 130 British Columbians who will spend the holidays in the war-torn country.
"It's certainly a different feeling to have your children away for Christmas. It's not exactly like they're at university and they're going to
come home," she said. "They're in a war zone and we think about them all the time."
Earlier in the day, McDonald showed CTV News photographs of her sons, including one of them in full uniform the day they deployed
to Afghanistan. They left on Thanksgiving Monday.
"It was quite emotional as you can imagine," McDonald said. "We said goodbye and just looked at each other and went, 'Whoa.'"
McDonald said her sons decided as teenagers to follow in their grandfather's footsteps and join the reserves.
"It piqued their interest and they wanted to continue that family tradition, and, to be honest, I was not all that worried," she said.
Who could have predicted the war in Afghanistan? And that Andrew would want to go?
But he did, and he wasn't going to go without his younger brother.
"That was just a bit much for me, two of them going," McDonald said. But she knew she couldn't stand in their way.
"They're doing it because that's what they want to do. They want to make a difference, and you can't say no to something like that."
McDonald is proud. But she's also terrified. "Yeah, we have little moments of sheer terror and then they go away," she said.
McDonald has begun putting up holiday decorations -- there still will be Christmas at the McDonald home this year.
But the mother's thoughts this season will be half a world away.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Shannon Paterson
Members of the McDonald Family say goodbye to each other.
The McDonald’s boys deployed to Afghanistan on Oct 12. From
Left: Jeff, dad Robert, mom Heather and Andrew
Capt Reimer received the banner in Kandahar and put it up and
had a picture taken with Vancouver soldiers in front of it.
From left to right: Capt Graham Reimer, Cpl Dave Takei (6 Int),
WO Rob Skrypchuk (RSS CC at BCR)
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CANADA POST offers FREE parcel service
Canada Post has extended its offer to provide free letter mail service to Canadian Soldiers serving on
peacekeeping missions overseas from their family and friends. In addition, from October 26, 2009 until
January 15, 2010, Canada Post will again offer free Regular Parcel Service to deployed Canadian Forces
members to the following three Canadian Forces Bases:
All PO Box numbers, Station Forces, Halifax NS B3K 5X5
All PO Box numbers, Station Forces, Victoria BC V9A
All PO Box numbers, Station Forces, Belleville ON K8N 5W6
Mail and parcels should be addressed in the following format:
Sending letters and packages can be a wonderful way to keep in touch with loved ones and friends serving overseas. The following
guidelines are offered to assist in properly preparing your letter or parcel:
• Parcels must be clearly addressed with service number (last 3 digits) rank, initials and name; unit and section.
• Clearly write the sender's address in the top left corner.
• Ensure that the parcel is wrapped properly and securely and use packing tape. Do not use string to bind the parcel.
• The following are specific guidelines for this service (Note: Oversize and overweight parcels will not be accepted):
• Weight: Maximum 20 Kg (Approximately) (Approx) 44 lb).
• Size: Two conditions must be met regarding size: a. maximum length is one metre (Approx 39"); and b. the maximum length
plus girth is two meters (Approx 79") (the definition of girth = width + height + width + height). In the following
illustration, the parcel has the following dimensions: length = 1.0 m (Approx 39"), width = 0.3 m (Approx 12"), and height =
0.15 m (Approx 6"). The parcel just meets the maximum size by the following calculation: 1.0 + 0.3 + 0.15 + 0.3 + 0.15 =
1.9 m (Approx 75").
•
Detailed List of Contents, written in left hand bottom corner. When mailing by Canada Post, a Canada Customs declaration
form is required with every parcel departing or entering Canada signed by the sender of the parcel. Customs authorities of
the destination country may examine all mail and may confiscate any prohibited item. Such items may lead to criminal
charges being laid against the sender.
No article may be sent by mail if their nature or packaging may expose postal employees to hazards, or damage other items of mail.
Mailing the following items is strictly prohibited:
• alcohol, beer and wine; weapons, including replicas explosives, radioactive materials or ammunition;
• matches; flammable liquids or solids; compressed gas; propane cigarette lighters; corrosive fluids
• obscene magazines or pictures; drugs; and perishable items.
MISSION
INFORMATION
LINE
1-800-866-4546
www.cfpsa.com
www.missioninfoline.ca
www.ligneinfomission.ca
The Mission Information Line is a bilingual telephone service for families of
Canadian military personnel serving in operations outside Canada. The toll-free,
24-hour service features detailed reports about Canadian Forces missions and
operations from around the world and provides the kind of assurance and support
family members depend on. During business hours, callers can speak directly to
MIL staff for additional information or referral to other resources. MIL personnel
are available to handle calls in confidence Monday to Friday, except on statutory
holidays, from 8:00 to midnight Eastern Time. The MIL should not be considered
a substitute for Family Resource Centres or Unit Rear Parties, but rather a
complement to their services.
Note: For the most recent press releases dial 1-800-866-4546 and ext. 15
Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC)
www.vac-acc.gc.ca
1 866 522 2122 (English)
1866 522 2022 (Francais)
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PAST EVENTS
Submitted byJustin Solamillo.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
It was all sunshine inside the Kay Meek Centre for Performing Arts in West Vancouver, despite the rainy
weather outside. The Band of the 15th Field Regiment, RCA, led by the Director of Music Captain Jim
Tempest, wowed the crowd with orchestra renditions of the Star Wars theme, Saturday Morning Cartoons, the
Pink Panther and even the Barry Manilow hit, Copacabana.
MFRC Staff
Jodi, Nicole & Chloe
The concert recognized and remembered the men and women who served or are serving
the Canadian Forces. The audience was treated to a display of artwork produced by
students from Langley Fine Arts School. The beautiful portraits were part of a class
project that saw the painting of all 36 soldiers who have died since last Remembrance
Day 2008. In an article in the Vancouver Sun, Acting Sub-Lieutenant Carli Sussman said
the members of 39 Canadian Brigade Group “have been very touched by the students’
desire to hand these portraits over to the families of the fallen soldiers.”
The concert titled,
“With Glowing Hearts,” was
a fundraising event for our
MFRC. Supporting our
military families in all our
communities is our primary
goal, so we encourage people
to get involved in our
fundraising efforts like this
concert.
A special thank you to the
Band of the 15th Field
Regiment, RCA, for putting
on a great show, and a thank
you again to our MFRC
marketing team and their
Support Our Troops
merchandise, for helping this
make this fundraising event a
great one!
MFRC ED Rick Cuttell, Bill
Diamond MFRC Board with son
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PAST EVENTS
9
Submitted by Jodi Rowe
The Naden Band put on a beautiful Christmas concert
December 11, 2009 at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts
with proceeds going towards
“The Salvation Army”.
Each attendee was asked to bring a toy that would also be
donated to the Salvation Army and the table was overflowing by
the end of the night! The representative from the Salvation
Army spoke about what Christmas will be like for them and
how they try to provide for those less fortunate and was so
thankful to everyone that had brought a toy. Each one of those
toys will be waiting under the tree this Christmas for a child that
otherwise would have had nothing. Can you imagine the smile
on their face?
The band played many Christmas favourites including a swing
version of the Nutcracker that everyone enjoyed. The whole
event was hosted by Dawn Chubai from Breakfast Television,
who also sang with the band. The guest singers, Ken Lavigne
and Stephanie Greeves were amazing! Such beautiful singers.
The whole evening was filled with talent.
The MFRC would like to thank Don and Melanie Rowe who
volunteered to help attend the MFRC booth at the concert where
people were able to purchase Support our Troops stocking
stuffers.
Your help was greatly appreciated!
CHRISTMAS COOKIE EXCHANGE
submitted by Nicole Bedard
The MFRC Jericho site hosted a cookie exchange for the adults and a
cookie decorating party for the kids on Saturday December 12, 2009.
Those who took part in the cookie exchange greatly enjoyed the experience
and the chance to receive new cookie receipts. The kids who attended the
cookie decorating party had a blast coming up with their own cookie
creations and making ornaments to hang on their tree. A good time was had
by all! Special thanks to Tinkers Hatch bakery for their wonderful donation
of sugar cookies, gingerbread cookies and icing!
A big THANK YOU
to Joanne Henderson and
Lynn Sharples of the Royal
Canadian Legion for their
donation of Christmas tree
decorations and ornaments.
The decorations were
appreciated by everyone
who saw them.
A special thank you to Lynn
Sharples of the Royal
Canadian Legion Kerrisdale
Branch, who created and
donated this beautiful quilt
for the master bed in the
Jim Stanton, Tony Speiss, Al De Genova Jericho Compassionate
House to help provide
comfort to the families who
use this space.
Thank You, Lynn for all
your hard work and
dedication to supporting
Canadian Forces families.
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Just before Christmas our Fraser Valley Area Manager Jocelyn received a cryptic phone message.
The message was from a family in the community who wanted to “Adopt a Military Family” for Christmas, with a loved one currently
serving in Afghanistan. The message lacked details and of course Jocelyn verified the authenticity of the caller before following
through with this offer. Jocelyn then called this family to find out how they wanted to help out the MFRC. Their reply: We want to spoil
a Deployed Military family this Christmas season.
After chatting with MFRC staff and trying to find a family that could benefit from this generosity, Jocelyn realized that there was not
enough time to make contact with such a military family in time for Christmas and talked to the family about their options.
Although the MFRC was not able to follow through with the first suggestion of adopting a deployed family for Christmas, the donation
was directed towards the MFRC’s programs and services, which will benefit our military families.
A big THANK YOU to the donating Family for their generousity this Christmas!
Linda Mauch, Grade 3 Teacher at Robertson Elementary wrote:
The ladies of the Alliance church make our day on a regular basis. Who doesn't like homemade cookies for recess?
Robertson Elementary has a great relationship with the Young St. Alliance church. It's been going on for a few years and we love our
association with them. They organize evening events with moms, deliver cookies for every classroom twice a month and lend us their
facilities for our Christmas concert. We try to show our appreciation by making cards to let them know we think that what they do is
special.
In November we heard that they know a soldier who is now in Afghanistan. He is the son of one of the members of their congregation.
They were making up shoe boxes of goodies that they knew the soldiers would like. We asked if we could be a part of the program and
we jumped in with both feet. Some teachers made up the boxes themselves and some kids participated. The children were all excited to
see everything that we managed to fit into the boxes, including Canadian stickers and letters from the kids themselves. The letters were
heart felt and showed curiosity about why fighting was happening. Many kids had simple answers to the conflict such as sharing the
land or talking about differences since we always say that differences are what make life interesting.
It was fun for them to make pictures to add to our letters so we could connect with soldiers that were so far from home.
Kids say the most heart felt things and that's what we hope reaches the soldiers more than the boxes of goodies.
If you live in Prince George and region and would like to meet other
military families and friends just to chat and share, in a friendly setting,
Please contact Ms Ranjit Gill
General Manager Railway and Forestry Museum
850 River Road Prince George BC V2L 5S8 (250) 563-7351
Call us for a confidential talk.
If we can't help, we know someone who can. 24/7, 365 days/ year
1-800-268-7708
1-800-567-5803
Offered by the Employee Assistance Services of Health Canada in
partnership with the Canadian Forces
OSISS Coordinators for British Columbia
Colleen Brewer, Family Peer Support Coordinator,
Vancouver (604) 666-8512 or email [email protected]
Vince Tytler, Peer Support Coordinator, (PSC)
Vancouver (604)-666-2157 or email [email protected]
Phil Quesnelle, Peer Support Coordinator
Victoria (250) 363-3057 or email [email protected]
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UPCOMING EVENTS
11
Robbie Burns Fundraising Dinner
11
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Banff, Alberta
[email protected]
1-800-813-4138
www.ymountainlodge.com
D'Vine Dreams
Bed & Breakfast
Naramata
(250) 496-4055
1-888-490-4055
[email protected]
www.dvinedreams.com
604-858-4426
www.riverbendguesthouse.com
Vancouver
www.lepetitspa.ca
Bowen Island 604 947 9030 www.mik-sa.com
Vancouver
[email protected]
604-659-3474
www.vanaqua.org
Vancouver Lookout
at Harbour Centre
North Vancouver
[email protected] or
[email protected]
604-985-7474
http://www.capbridge.com/
[email protected]
604-689-0421
[email protected]
604-699-2011
www.whalesvancouver.ca
The Whitecaps are proud to offer discounted ticket
prices to all groups from Canada’s Armed Forces.
To order tickets just call the Vancouver Whitecaps
Office at 604-669-WAVE (9283) or email Iain Allan,
Account Manager at [email protected]
Free admission Ottawa, ON
1-800-555-5621
http://www.warmuseum.ca/
10 % Discount cards are
available at the MFRC
www.runningroom.com
604-504-5336 or 1(888) 248-4868
http://www.huntsecuritysystems.co
Sunshine GM Sechelt BC 1-888-388-2438
www.sunshinegm.com Details: 25% off labour on all repairs and $1000.00 discount on all new purchases 12
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SUPPORT OUR TROOPS MERCHANDISE @ the MFRC
How Do You Order?
•
•
•
•
•
In Person - Drop by the MFRC and pick it up.
Online - Visit www.bcmfrc.com and use our online form
E-mail - Send your order to [email protected]
By Telephone - Give us a call and place your order with us.
Contact your LO and place your order!
ALL proceeds raised go to new and ongoing Programs and Family Services offered by Mainland BC MFRC
Soldier Bear
$20
License
Plates
$5.00
Fleece Jacket
(S,M,L,XL)
$35.00 &
Blanket
$10.00
Yellow
Ribbon Car
Antenna
Topper
$1
Yellow
Ribbon
Car
Magnet
$5
Support
Our
Troops
Lapel Pin
$5
T shirt
S,M,L,XL
$10.00
Maple
Leaf
Lapel Pin
$5
Toque
$10.00 &
Scarf
$10.00
Sew on
Yellow
Ribbon
$3.00
Ball Caps
$10.00
(Black or
Red)
Support our
Troops Flag
$20.00
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MFRC Community Programming & Services
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Licensed Child Minding Program
What: On site child minding for children 18 months to 4 years old
When: Mondays & Wednesdays and Tuesdays & Fridays 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Where: Jericho Site
Cost : $190.00
Sign up for your child to join our gross and fine motor play activities, messy hands-on crafts, outside play and
early literacy sing song circle time!
Subsidized and drop-in spaces open for CF families.
Contact Lisa Paul at 604-736-3588 or [email protected] for more information
Kitsilano Neighbourhood House Community Preschool
Help your child get ready for school! We accept students 3 to 5 years old.
Morning Sessions:
Afternoon Sessions:
Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Monday, Wednesday and Friday
9:30am - 12:00pm
1:30pm - 4:00pm
$190.00 per month
$190.00 per month
Subsidies may be available for CF families. For more information or to inquire about registering your own child,
please contact Lisa Paul, Family and Youth Coordinator, at (604) 736-3588 or email [email protected]
Vancouver/Burnaby Twins and More Club
The Vancouver/Burnaby Twins and More Club is a family-focused group whose goal is to provide practical
emotional and social support to multiple birth parents and their children during pregnancy, infant, toddler and
preschooler stages.
Membership to Vancouver Twins is open to everyone - expectant parents, caregivers, parents of newborns and
those parents of multiples that are seasoned pros.
WHEN:
first Sunday of every month from 10:00am to 12:00pm.
COST:
$2 per family (members) and $4 per family (non-members)
WHERE:
MFRC Child Care Trailers at Jericho Site
MORE INFO: www.vancouvertwins.ca or contact your MFRC Vancouver Site
Rainbows Peer-Support Program - Children Ages 4 to 11
www.rainbows.ca
Rainbows is a 12 week internationally known support program for children who have endured a significant family
loss by death in the family, divorce of parents, and any other painful family transitions. Facilitators with Rainbows
certification run the program. NEW START
3 February 2010
Times: Wednesday from 6:30-7:30pm. For info [email protected] or 604 225 2520 #2518
If you don’t live in the Lower Mainland?
Contact Ann at 604-858-1162 for more information about Rainbow programs in the Fraser Valley
Military Family Identification Card (MFID)
The military family identification cards or MFID, provides military families the opportunity to
possess a no cost standardized means of identification. The MFID not only provides tangible
recognition of military families as an important and integral part of the military team, but also
an ideal instrument that can be used when military personnel are away for extended periods,
like a deployment.
These cards not only allow for basic identification as a military family member, but may also
be used to access DND facilities, as well as many discount programs.
So, how can you get one? Please send us an email at [email protected] to arrange
a time to get one. It takes about 15 minutes to issue. Do you live far from the Lower
Mainland, but would like an MFID? We could be in your area! Please send us an email,
letting us know where you are from and we’ll let you know if we’ll be in your area.
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MFRC Jericho Site Drop-in Programs
Parent-Child Drop-In- Toddlers 1y to 3 y
Professional supportive staff operate program and are available for information and informal consultations.
Visitors welcome to come.
Cost: FREE!
Times: Tuesday and Thursday from 2:00- 5:00 pm
Parent/Child Circle of Sharing - Parents with young children
It’s a small sign-up group of parents who will meet together with their children in a relaxed nurturing
environment. Parents will have the opportunity to play with and observe their children in the playroom, as
well as join in parent discussions about areas of concern to all parents involved. Staff facilitated discussion,
support, assistance, encouragement and acceptance. Parents experience growth with goal to parent with new
confidence and skills.
Cost: FREE!
Times: 9 Thursdays from 9:30-11:30am
Call for more info Justin 604.225.2520 ext 2518
For more details about the above programs please contact WSFP @ 604.738.2819
Jericho Site Coffee Morning
Can’t make it out to coffee mornings on Monday? The MFRC knows that we are all busy and our schedules are
always changing, so we are looking at changing our coffee morning times in the New Year. Instead of having
just one day for you to come in and join us, we invite people to drop-in any time during our office hours to sit
and chat. Whether you inquiring about programs, looking for information or just wanting to sit down and chat
with a staff member please feel free to come by Monday to Friday between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm for a visit. We
look forward to seeing you!!
Parent-to-Parent Support Group
Parent-to-Parent is an interagency support group of parents of children with special needs, particularly autism.
They always welcome new parents to the group. Contact Janan Thomas at [email protected] for more info.
Start again in September .
Times: Every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month from 9:30 am to 11:30 am
HOMEWORK CLUB
Starting: Monday February 1, 2010
Location: Jericho MFRC Programming Site
Time: 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Cost: FREE!
For more information, contact Nicole at (604) 225-2520 ext. 2518, or
[email protected]
We at WEST SIDE FAMILY PLACE are proud to announce the new
WEST SIDE TOY LENDING LIBRARY!
We are open and running Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2-5pm, out of the West Side Family Place family dropin program at the MFRC location at the Jericho Garrison on 4050 W 4th Ave. We offer toys, books, puzzles,
parent resources, and many other exciting things for children 0-5 yrs old. It is free and easy to use the toy
lending library, all you have to do is come down and register with our lending librarian during the hours stated
above. After that there will be many opportunities for borrowing in your future! This is a great resource, come
check us out!
If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or call 604-738-2819.
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JANUARY 2010
WWW.BCMFRC.COM
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
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December
28
29
30
31
1 January
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
15
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ROBBIE
BURNS
FUNDRAISING
DINNER
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23
29
30
2-5
2-5
10
11
12
13
14
2-5
17
18
19
2-5
20
21
2-5
24/31
25
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2-5
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2-5
2-5
Rick Cuttell- Executive Director
p: 604.225.2520 x 2572 e: [email protected]
Justin Solamillo – Lower Mainland Area Manager
p: 604.225.2535 Opt. 2 e: [email protected]
Chloe Ash-Anderson-Administrative Assistant
P: 604 225 2535 e: [email protected]
Jodi Rowe –Marketing Coordinator
P: 604 225 2520 ext 2576 e: [email protected]
Hanna Robertson – Deployment Support & SIT Coordinator
p: 604.225.2520 x2550
direct p: 226.662.0220 e: [email protected]
Jocelyn Wilkinson- Fraser Valley Area Manager
p: 604.858.1195
e: [email protected]
Ann Adkins –IPS/JPSU Coordinator Fraser Valley
p: 604.858.1162
e: [email protected]
Nicole Bedard- IPS/JPSU Coordinator Lower Mainland
p: 604 225 2520 ext 2518 e: [email protected]
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