|
HEALING WATERS |
Project Healing Waters uses fly fishing and fly tying as therapeutic tools to help with the recovery of injured Canadian military personnel. Fly fishing is a relaxing and calming sport, often described as "Zen" for its ability to remove the distractions of life while concentrating on the beauty of the cast and the presentation of a fly to the fish. It also promotes muscular skills in an easy repetition of basic casting strokes.
Fly tying also requires concentration and teaches patience and fine motor skills. Its artistic aspect is also therapeutic, and many who have taken up the art and science of tying fishing flies never actually use them to catch fish.
Beginning in 2013, the Chapter has partnered with Soldier On, a funding agency dedicated to the rehabilitation of injured soldiers, to provide the experience of fly fishing and fly tying to Canadian military personnel. Volunteers from the Chapter and partners from the other Ontario Chapters, along with professional guides from Grindstone Angling who donated their time, provide three days of easygoing instruction, camaraderie, and bass fishing at a local pond. Evening meals at Calamus Winery provide a chance for social interaction and an opportunity to tie flies that will be put to use on the water. On their way back to base, the soldiers will be hosted by the Franklin Club, an exclusive trout club north of Toronto where they will use their new skills (and new flies) to catch the clubs large rainbow trout.
Several organizations have provided sponsorships that make this program possible, and we continue to seek donors who can help us continue this worthwhile series.
FP Etc. of Fonthill provided money for the rods and reels that are loaned to the soldiers and the Fonthill Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion donated money for materials and equipment, and the Welland Walmart added a generous donation. Calamus Winery lets us use the beautiful meeting room at the winery on Glen Road in Jordan, and Bass Pro has come on board with a donation of fly boxes and fly tying equipment and rods and reels. Tim Horton’s has supplied morning coffee at the bass pond every year.
FP Etc. of Fonthill provided money for the rods and reels that are loaned to the soldiers and the Fonthill Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion donated money for materials and equipment, and the Welland Walmart added a generous donation. Calamus Winery lets us use the beautiful meeting room at the winery on Glen Road in Jordan, and Bass Pro has come on board with a donation of fly boxes and fly tying equipment and rods and reels. Tim Horton’s has supplied morning coffee at the bass pond every year.