Imagine coming home from an overseas deployment and being unable to relate to your family because you just have no idea how to put the experience into words. It’s like steam without a pressure release.
Now imagine the same scenario from the perspective of the veteran’s spouse, parents, or neighbour. How are they to relate to something that can never, despite Hollywood’s best efforts, be imagined; only experienced.
It is thanks to Hollywood that when we think of veterans, we think about World War I, World War II, Vietnam, and maybe Korea. Even then, we just think about the heroic stories projected on the screen. There is no thought for the unrelenting tension, emotional trauma, and loneliness of service. Yes, even in the midst of your buddies, service can be an emotionally barren environment.
Why Support Veterans & Your Community
Did you know that, today, Canadian soldiers are serving in Ukraine, Gaza, and even counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean? Veterans today are much more than just old people in wheelchairs.
Canada has no need of Canadian soldiers defending her. We are surrounded by ocean on three sides and a (usually) peaceful neighbour to the south. So Canadian soldiers are adept at going to other countries to protect people who are unable to protect themselves. Unlike the Hollywood portrayal of soldiers, a Canadian soldier’s first priority is saving life; protecting others.
That’s why it’s Family Shed. The love of the Family room mixed with the accountability of the wood Shed (you know, the place where dads used to hand out spankings). It’s a place to tackle projects that give us a chance to talk while working. It’s a place to learn new skills and share what you know with nieces, nephews, and neighbours.
Family Shed is a place where those trained to protect and defend can lead by example and build the successes they desire.
Yes, I am a veteran, but Family Shed sets aside the segregation of programs that are “by veterans for veterans.” The last thing any of us needs is to remain isolated after getting home. We need our family and neighbours to learn the skills needed to do more than just talk to us. We need them to listen, but we also need people to support, encourage, and applaud as we bridge the gap from military service to civilian life. From service to life.
Who Family Shed Serves
Family Shed is there to wash away isolation.
- Isolated seniors who want to share knowledge with youngsters or maybe learn some new technology from the youngsters.
- Questing teenagers who feel disconnected and ineffective, who want to make new connections and meet their need for Belonging.
- Family members who need something that’s missing at home without having to leave home behind.
- Soldiers who need to shift their perception from “accepting help” to “receiving gratitude” from an appreciative society.
A society that recognises soldiers voluntarily give up their rights while they serve to protect those unable to protect themselves.
Family Shed is about helping people stand up and achieve. We all know the saying “It takes a village to raise a child.” What we tend to forget is that the village is needed to help people stay happy, healthy, and successful.
