For Immediate Release
(CHARLOTTETOWN PE) October 1 – Since April, Canadian military veteran Paul Nichols has been riding across Canada on his horse, Zoe, on behalf of the Communities for Veterans Foundation. Nichols, his wife Terry, and a supportive crew are raising funds and awareness of PTSD and to educate Canadians about problems facing today’s veterans. Additionally, the Ride Across Canada wishes to stress the changing profile of veterans to include younger men and women who have served in recent deployments.
The ride was inspired by an experience Nichols had after leaving the army. The former Calgary Highlander who served in Bosnia and Croatia in the 1990s was buying jewelry for his wife when the salesperson recognized the regimental crest on his jacket. Nichols learned that the woman had survived the siege of Sarajevo. She had lived in an underground parking lot for two years, facing sniper and machine gun fire every time she went out for food or water. She told Nichols that it was Canadian troops who got her out.
When Paul said that he had never seen Sarajevo but he had served in the former Yugoslavia, the woman cried and hugged him, grateful for the service of Canadian soldiers. It was at that moment that Paul noticed that every single person in the lineup at the store was wiping away tears; that was when he learned the power of a heartfelt story.
And now Paul is in a position to share his story and other veterans’ stories through The Ride Across Canada.
The ride started in British Columbia in April and will make its way through Prince Edward Island between October 9 and 14.
Zoe (Source: Communities for Veterans Facebook Page)
At stops along the ride, Nichols and Zoe have been meeting with veterans and introducing them to equine therapy. Horses helped Nichols readjust to civilian life.
“This ride is not about one veteran and his family riding across the country for a cause,” says Paul. “By the time our horses get us to the Atlantic coast, we will have been joined by and have heard the stories of over 700 Canadian veterans. As these stories are collected and reflected on, we will create awareness and encourage discussion of the challenges that our servicemen and women face as they transition back into the world of civilians.”
Donna Earl, Executive Director of the PEI Military Family Resource Centre says, “We encourage everyone to either come out and cheer on Zoe and Paul or to make a donation to the cause, which can be done online via the website. Our contemporary Canadian veterans need our support, and Communities for Veterans Foundation is doing a tremendous job of raising awareness.”
Nichols adds, “The Canadian people love their troops, and our communities will support them but often times don’t know who they are after they clear out of the military. By educating our communities and raising awareness to the changing face of their veterans, we can give them the opportunity to truly support their troops. We believe that this timely help from the communities that they have served will lower the incidence of PTSD and family break up, and I personally know that timely help can change a life.”
The ride will come to an end in Newfoundand in November, right before Remembrance Day.
For information about how you can get involved in the Ride Across Canada, visit CommunitiesForVeterans.ca
They are also chronicling their journey on Twitter (@vetsrideCanada).
PEI Schedule
October 9: Confederation Bridge to Hunter River
October 10: Hunter River to Milton Station
October 11: Charlottetown
October 12: Rest Day
October 13: Charlottetown to Mount Albion
October 14: Mount Albion to Wood Islands