They achieved this goal through an initiative they called, “The RIDE Across Canada”.
From April 13th to November 9th, Paul and Terry and their crew conducted a 211 day horseback relay from Victoria to St. John’s. They invited as many veterans as they could to join them in sharing their story. Over 350 veterans and serving members registered, received a lesson and rode with Paul throughout their own communities. Each participant on The Ride Across Canada received a lesson on one of the ride horses. The horses on the ride were either a member of Paul and Terry’s own herd or they were on free lease from members of the Canadian community. Community members believed in what Paul and Terry had set out to achieve that they allowed them to take their own horses, train them for the ride and let them be a part of this incredible journey.
Paul and Terry set up Administration Camps in over fifty-five different communities where they were put up by individuals, equestrian facilities, therapeutic riding centers and agricultural societies to conduct the lessons and administrate the registration, publicity, events and logistics of the ride. The entire ride was conducted through the support of community. The Foundation expresses an immense gratitude for everyone who contributed to the success of The Ride Across Canada through time, labour, donated services and funding. Throughout the duration of the initiative, there were outcomes that have developed into the future of Communities for Veterans Foundation.
The goals of Communities for Veterans Foundation when combined are to provide access to a smooth transition for serving members. The preparation of the member and the community is a combination that the Foundation believes will reduce the incidence of family trauma, the struggles of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and number of veteran suicides.
A community that invests in a veteran is an investment in the future of the community.