Those veterans who are thinking of taking a special vacation might want to think about the Vacations for Vets program as an option offered by the Canadian Forces and Shell Vacations Club.
"Morning aquafit classes, afternoon naps and evenings sipping wine on the terrace of my suite at Carriage Hills Resort - finally a relaxing getaway," described Jenny Newton, recent retiree from the Toronto Police Service and the Canadian Forces Reserves.
The Vacations for Vets program was launched last January and benefits those serving or have served through the Canadian Forces who have sustained an injury or illness while serving in a special duty area/operation and who receive Veteran Affairs benefits.
The program began in 2009 and offered injured active service members one week's free accommodations in resorts located in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Now that the program is a success, it's been extended to current and former members of the Canadian Forces.
Canadian destinations include Mountainside Lodge in Whistler and Carriage Hills and Carriage Ridge Resorts north of Toronto, Ontario. The vacation is offered annually and does not include airfare.
Canadian Forces members and veterans can send request forms to Nancy Branco, manager of the corporate outreach program for Canadian Forces Personnel and Family Support Services and main contact for Vacations for Vets program.
Once the vacation request is accepted it's paid for by a Shell Vacation Club special account of points allotted for the program.
The resort will fill the request and send a confirmation notice to the Canadian Forces member or veteran.
To date, 30 injured Canadian Forces members and Veterans, along with their families, have benefited from the Vacations for Vets program and there's 37 more vacations that are in the planning stages.
"The accommodations were great, but it was how I was treated by the staff that really made this vacation special," said Newton. "With a knowledgeable and friendly reception staff, warm and thoughtful housekeeping and an upbeat activities' team, I can attest to being made to feel like a VIP, something that soldiers are simply not accustomed to."
It certainly was a nice change.
"After sleeping in a modular tent or a sparse barracks' room, my two bedroom unit at Carriage Hills Resort was total luxury," said Newton. "My unit had a fully-equipped kitchen, complete with dishwasher and kitchenware, a living room with a gas fireplace, a spacious dining room and even a Jacuzzi located off the master bedroom. The studio suite adjacent to my unit, which was used by members of my family, included a kitchenette. Each room had a private deck, complimentary wireless internet and access to a washer and dryer. "
Newton enjoyed local spa services, and went for many strolls in the Horseshoe Valley close to the resort.
"The off-site summer and winter attractions, as well as the local shops and restaurants, offer even those with the most discerning of tastes something fun to enjoy," Newton explained.
To find out more about the program, please contact [email protected] or visit www.legion.ca and search Vacations for Vets CF.
