SUMMARY—As part of their campaign to connect with parents of Canadian Armed Forces and the RCMP, the PEI Military Family Resource Centre is hosting a coffee social on May 9.
For immediate release
CHARLOTTETOWN, PE (May 4, 2023)—Each month, the PEI Military Family Resource Centre hosts a coffee social for PEI’s Military, Veteran, and RCMP communities, and, on May 9, they wish to invite parents of these communities to join them.
“We’ve always provided services and resources for parents of Military and RCMP members,” explains Executive Director, Leona Conrick. “Our challenge is finding these people. They may have a child posted outside of PEI or belonging to a unit outside our province—we want them to know we are here for them, no matter where in the world their Military/RCMP member is.”
These coffee socials provide more than just a fresh cup of coffee and a cookie. They serve as a chance for PEI’s Military, Veteran, and RCMP communities to gather with others who understand the ups and downs of this service-based lifestyle.
“We meet with clients one-on-one to offer support and guidance, but sometimes, it’s peer support that has the most impact,” states Conrick. “Just knowing that there are others here experiencing the same things you are…it’s invaluable.”
Conrick explains that there are a lot of unknowns in both the Military and RCMP lifestyle, as well as a pretty steep learning curve. For parents who may not have been familiar with these cultures prior to their child enrolling, the amount of information can be overwhelming.
“That’s where a supportive ear and a friendly smile from someone else who really understands what you are going through can help,” Conrick says. “We also find that parents often feel excluded from Military and RCMP support structures—not necessarily on purpose; often they just aren’t aware of what is available. These coffee socials are an opportunity to welcome them into our space, so they can see first hand what resources we have and how we can help.”
One of the services Conrick cites specifically is Morale Mail packages. The PEI MFRC is able to assist with care packages to any member who is deployed overseas at no extra cost to the family member. Additionally, the PEI MFRC sends out its own Morale Mail several times a year.
Coffee socials take place the second Tuesday of every month, with the next one taking place May 9 from 10am–11am, at the PEI MFRC office (3 Lower Malpeque Rd.). Anyone is welcome to attend.