Operation Wellbeing Veteran Expo at Petawawa Legion Feb. 28

Support and assistance for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) transitioning members and veterans can be found in a one-stop-shop format during the upcoming Operation Wellbeing Veteran Expo.

“A lot of veterans are completely unaware of what is available to them,” said Brenda Northey, Operation Well-Being Executive Director. “It can be very hard to get that type of information.”

Many veterans leave the CAF with limited knowledge of their entitlements and what steps they can take to bridge their military and civilian lives.

“A lot of veterans are overwhelmed,” said Northey. “They are sometimes aware of them but have no clue how to access (these services).”

The pandemic has increased the social isolation many veterans feel and made accessing those services even harder, she added.

The Feb. 28 event aims to bring these opportunities directly to veterans and transitioning members. Current military members and military families are also invited.

The format is similar to a trades show with about 23 booths located in the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 517 Petawawa. But it’s designed to be more of a social event, allowing people to reconnect in-person after so long apart while enjoying complimentary cookies and coffee.

Booths and vendors cover a wide range of subjects tailored to veterans and those leaving the CAF and include information on employment, physical and mental health care, hobbies, finances, home maintenance and more.

The exhibitors are either veterans, affiliated with the military or provide exclusive products, programs and services. It is a good resource for soldiers to figure out what life will be like after the uniform.

“It’s all trying to make their lives easier,” said Northey, adding that if an individual presenter can’t answer a question, then they will point them out to another group that can.

The Veteran Expo is free to attend, and the Petawawa Legion has donated the space. It will open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the complimentary snacks are available while supplies last.

Due to COVID protocols, vaccination passports are mandated to enter the event.