Behind every Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) member is a family who serves in their own way.
To recognize their resilience and sacrifices, the Calgary Military Family Resource Centre (Calgary MFRC), together with 41 Signal Regiment, 2 Squadron Red Deer, is hosting a Military Family Appreciation Day open house Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. at Cormack Armoury.
Military Family Appreciation Day, observed nationally on the third Friday of September, highlights the essential role families play in supporting CAF members through relocations, deployments and transitions.
Last year, a similar event in Red Deer welcomed about 250 attendees, demonstrating strong community support for military families.
The free, family-friendly event will feature:
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free food while quantities last
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military equipment displays rarely seen up close
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face painting and outdoor games for all ages
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a 50/50 raffle in support of local military family programs
“When one person wears the uniform, the whole family serves,” said Barbara Pohl, executive director of the Calgary MFRC. “Military families make sacrifices of their own, and this event is about honouring them, connecting with the community and giving everyone a chance to show their appreciation.”
The open house will also give residents a chance to meet members of 2 Squadron of 41 Signal Regiment, 78 Battery of 20th Field Regiment and Army Reserve Recruiting, who will be on site with equipment displays and information.
It’s a rare opportunity to learn more about the military presence in Red Deer and the work these units carry out at home and abroad. Visitors will also be able to learn about Calgary MFRC programs in the Red Deer region, which support military and veteran families through every stage of military life.
The Calgary MFRC supports families of CAF members and veterans in southern Alberta, including north to Red Deer and south to Lethbridge.
To learn more, visit their website.
** With information from Calgary MFRC.
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