AFP/AAC Newsletter #20 Spring 2015

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6 ARMED FORCES PENSIONERS ’ /ANNUITANTS’ ASSOCIATION OF CANADA
Project Healing Waters started in
the US, and its programs now avail-
able across Canada. Over 40 volun-
teers strive to make a difference in
the lives of their local Canadian
Armed Forces members, current or
retired, that have been injured in
combat.
While they’re primarily helping
CAF members and CAF Veterans,
programs are open to any Canadian
suffering from a wide range of phys-
ical and emotional trauma. With a re-
ferral from their doctor or counsellor,
members from the RCMP, members
of Canadian police forces, and Emer-
gency Service employees can also
participate. Individuals living with
brain trauma are eligible for these
therapeutic classes, as well.
PHWFFC works hand-in-hand
with Operational Stress Injury Social
Support (OSISS), Integrated Person-
nel Support Clubs, and Fly Fishing
clubs across Canada. Through the
dedication of these organizations and
the tireless efforts of experienced fly
fishers, clients develop basic fly cast-
ing and fly tying skills. The organi-
zation provides fly fishing, casting,
and tying classes. All classes are
geared for participants ranging from
beginners to those with prior fly fish-
ing and tying experience. Occasional
group and individual fishing excur-
sions are organized, at no cost to their
clients. All fly fishing and tying
equipment is provided, as well.
The guiding principle is simple;
applying the grace, beauty, and focus
that fly fishing offers, to those recov-
ering from physical or psychological
injury, can be used as both an outlet
and healing mechanism. Taking part
in tying flies, fly casting, and fly fish-
ing requires a certain level of concen-
tration and focus, which aids in
recovery from trauma. This also pro-
vides an opportunity to get out and
socialize with people who are deal-
ing with similar health issues, while
learning a new hobby and new skills.
Some clients even get hooked, dis-
covering a lifelong hobby, in which
they never stop learning.
A recent survey by Canadian
Forces Mental Health indicates that
PTSD among our Veterans is a grow-
ing concern. Since 2002, the percent-
age of Canadian Veterans suffering
from PTSD has risen from 2.8 per-
cent, to 5.3 percent. PHWFFC is one
of the projects that offering a creative
method of healing for these Veterans.
The training and educational ac-
tivities are designed to ignite or
rekindle an appreciation and enthusi-
asm for a wide variety of fly fishing
experiences, as a hobby or just an ac-
tivity it provides a healthy, safe op-
portunity to get outdoors and release
some stress. There is anecdotal evi-
dence that shows tying flies or cast-
ing a fly line can provide stress
release and some relief from condi-
tions such as post-traumatic stress
(PTSD).
Project Healing Waters Fly Fish-
ing Canada has sponsors, supporters,
Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Canada
Tom Adamchick, Director Petawawa, PHWFF
ages of 40 and 69,” says Williams.
Once the victim is invested in the
‘relationship’ an emergency story un-
folds, requiring a ‘temporary loan’.
Eventually, these ‘loans’ start adding
up. “Most only lose a few hundred or
thousand, but enough lose over
$400,000 to raise the average to
$14,000,” says Williams. Like the
grandchild scam, romance scams op-
erate on the emotions of the victims.
Identity Theft, Credit Card & Debit
Card Fraud
By stealing information, such as a
Social Insurance Number or credit
card number, the scammer can use a
copy of your card, or apply for another
copy to be sent to their address. In
identity theft, the scammer will go so
far as to apply for credit in your name,
and run up your bills, while running
down your credit rating.
Report Possible Scams
If you believe you’ve been con-
tacted by a scammer, whether they
succeeded or not, report the contact to
your local police and the CAFC. They
collect information, including suspect
bank accounts, emails, and telephone
numbers. For more information on
protecting yourself, see the CAFC
website, at -
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