Project Healing Waters Goes International
New Canadian Chapter of PHW Expands Program
In 2005, volunteers from Trout Unlimited and the Federation of Fly Fishers founded Project Healing Waters. PHW provides fly fishing outings, casting instruction, fly tying workshops, and rod building workshops and contests for military personnel who are in recovery from physical and emotional harm sustained during wartime service. The goal is to support their physical and emotional recovery by supporting the learning or rekindling of fly fishing skills.
In 2008, a PHW fishing expedition was held at Mimimiska Lodge, operated by Wilderness North. Hosts Alan and Krista Cheeseman, along with organizer Mark Snyder, made it possible for participants to be flown from Canada’s Thunder Bay to the full service, five star lodge. There, the recovering anglers enjoyed the fishing trip of a lifetime, catching huge pike, walleye, and brook trout while enjoying the spectacular wilderness surrounding the Albany River watershed.
Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Canada Established
Wilderness North’s 2008 PHW outing was so successful that a similar fishing expedition is planned for July 11-17 of 2009. Both U.S. and Canadian war veterans will be participating. Canadian angler Kerry Pitt applied to the PHW Board of Directors for allowance to form Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Canada, and in December of 2008 permission was granted.
Department of Defense and Department of Veteran’s Affairs Hospitals Host PHW
PHW chapters are formed in cooperation with DOD and VA hospitals, and the workshops are held there. Fishing outings are usually only ½ day’s travel from the hospital. There are presently 50 chapters in operation in the United States, in addition to the one in Canada. Recently, Ron Weiss of Hook & Hackle and John Pinigis, an avid angler and recreation therapy assistant, have formed a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania chapter. Weiss is providing equipment and instruction. Chapters can be formed wherever patients are served by a DOD or VA hospital. PHW is funded through donations and support from many organizations and individuals. The equipment is always provided free of charge to patients participating in the program.
Project Healing Waters Successful Therapy Grows
PHW is growing because it is succeeding in helping injured veterans of war regain self-esteem, optimism, and renewed confidence in their physical abilities. Being outdoors, learning or renewing skills, and connecting with instructors, facilitators, and other participants in an enjoyable environment brings new hope and vitality to patients in recovery. Working with those who have made great physical and emotional sacrifices on the part of their country also has a profoundly moving effect on the volunteers who get involved. Weiss says,
“You know how great it feels when you tie a really nice fly? Or when you bring in a real fighter on a four-weight rod? Well, for these guys, that feeling is just intensified. They appreciate it so much. They get so excited, and it’s great to share that excitement. I’m blown away by the courage and strength these men and women show.”
Now that the first chapter of PHW Fly Fishing Canada has been formed, volunteers are paving the way for this program to grow in Canada as it has in the United States. Many more injured veterans can be helped in their recovery from the wounds of war and their return to civilian life. For more information about Project Healing Waters, visit their website at http://www.projecthealingwaters.org/index.html or write to them at Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc., Post Office Box 695, LaPlata, MD, USA, 20646. Kerry Pitt of Project Healing Waters Canada can be reached at pittfam@telus.net.
Healing Waters Workshop
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