Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House to speak about one of the many great organizations in my riding of Cariboo—Prince George.
In 2015, Paul and Terry Nichols founded the Communities for Veterans Foundation, riding across Canada on horseback. Their goal was to bring awareness to communities about the changing face of Canadian veterans suffering from PTSD, and to help veterans transition from military culture into civilian culture through equine therapy.
Beginning on May 22nd, 10 veterans from across the country, suffering from PTSD, took part in a 14-day equine therapy program. They were paired with a horse for the duration of their stay, learning to care for their horse's physical and mental needs. The course provided veterans with awareness and skills that are transferable outside of the arena and into relationships, work, and the community. Today, those 10 veterans graduate from this program.
I would like our veterans and first responders who are suffering from PTSD to know that they are not alone.
I would also like to thank Paul and Terry for the contributions they are making, not only in Cariboo—Prince George, but across Canada.