Moose Jaw Wakamow MLA Greg Lawrence took time earlier today to participate in a century-old tradition.
On Nov. 7 Lawrence, the Provincial Military Liaison, marked 75 years since Canadian soldiers stormed the beaches of Normandy by distributing care packages.
“During the First and Second World War, a popular activity in North America was to send care kits of stitchery, knitting, letters and snacks to soldiers on the front lines to raise morale and thank them for protecting our rights and freedoms at home,” Lawrence said in a press release. “Today, we continue to mark the sacrifice and service of our Canadian Forces by providing modern care kits to veterans.”
This was an initiative of the Provincial Capital Commission, in partnership with the Regina Stitchery Guild, Royal Canadian Legion and the UnderstandUs mental health initiative.
Kits include a letter of thanks and encouragement, hand-crafted scarf and cross-stitch ornament, UnderstandUs ball cap, along with information on How to Help Yourself and How to Help Others.
“This is another opportunity for us all to highlight the importance of good mental health,” Lawrence said. “For veterans, for seniors, and for all Saskatchewan citizens, mental health is not an absolute. As with physical health, there are levels of mental health and everyone should take the time to take care of themselves and seek help without stigma when they need it.”
It is not only a great symbolic gesture, it also honours the veterans for their service.
The kits were presented during a ceremony at Government House.
