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Paddling With Post Traumatic Stress Disorder” for the Canadian Mental Health Association, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge

Paddling with PTSD June 15 2015

Paddling with PTSDThe Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge is pleased to welcome Trevor Petersen of “Paddling with PTSD” to the Cobourg Waterfront on June 15th. Trevor is ex-military and lives with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Beginning June 13th Trevor will commence a journey from Toronto to Ottawa on a stand-up paddleboard, using Ontario’s lakes and rivers, to raise awareness of PTSD.

As a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, Trevor returned from Afghanistan in 2007 and was diagnosed with PTSD. He was deemed incapable of functioning within the military the following year. Trevor enrolled in the return to work program while awaiting his release. His attempts at sustaining employment continuously failed leading to a downward spiral in his mental health. In 2010, Trevor was medically released from the military. This was an enormous transition, leading to isolation and despair and life became increasingly more unbearable.

As part of his recovery, Trevor decided to learn how to paddleboard, finding it both therapeutic and fun. In the summer of 2013, he was deemed unemployable due to his injury. His desire to be a productive member of society and his love of paddle-boarding were the deciding factors for creating the “Paddling with PTSD” expeditions. Trevor’s goal is to raise awareness of PTSD and to inspire others that are suffering with this illness to strive for a better and more fulfilling life. Last year, “Paddling with PTSD” took Trevor through Alberta to Manitoba. To review last year’s expedition and other information, visit their website www.paddlingwithptsd.com. The following link provides information about Trevor and his goal http://o.canada.com/news/videos- of-the-year-paddling-for-ptsd

Trevor is expected to arrive in Cobourg at approximately 5:00 pm., on the beach beside the Cobourg Pier at the bottom of Division Street. CMHA HKPR will have an information booth, beginning at 4:00 p.m., including information on PTSD and our Mental Health Programs and Services. A puppet show presented by CMHA HKPR’s Kids on the Block will take place at 4:15.

Upon his arrival at approximately 5:00 p.m., Trevor will be greeted by local dignitaries and CMHA HKPR Board Members Patti Ley and Starr Olsen, of Cobourg. We welcome the community to join us to celebrate Trevor’s epic journey and learn more about mental health, including PTSD. Any interested skilled kayakers, canoeists and paddleboarders are invited to join Trevor anywhere along the route and are encouraged to be part of the Cobourg welcoming committee.

For the 2015 journey, Trevor has chosen to raise money for the Canadian Mental Health Association. Donations can be made to the local CMHA on line at www.cmhahkpr.ca or by sending a cheque to 415 Water Street, Peterborough, Ontario K9H 3L9 or you can make a donation at the event, on June 15th.

For further information on this event please call Kerri Davies at CMHA HKPR 705- 748-6687 ext. 1048 or kdavies@cmhahkpr.ca

Paddling with PTSD

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