Submitted
Gerald and Irene Purcell, owner/operators of Saskatchewan hunting lodge, Tobin Lake Trophy Adventures, and Blake Emmons, founder/CEO of Wounded Warriors Weekend Foundation Inc, at a joint meeting in Nipawin recently announced the formal alliance of their two entities.
The alliance will provide an established location on the shores of Tobin Lake that will benefit those challenged by PTSD brought on by their honourable service to their country.
Veterans, firefighters, first responders, police personnel, trauma nurses, EMTs, correctional officers as well as their family members and caregivers will spend a week at Camp Independence where they will have an extended opportunity to gather with like minded people in order to help one another in their personal healing process.
Speaking to a group of supporters and volunteers, Emmons said, “It’s been an honour and a true pleasure to have been a part of this healing process of our Wounded Warriors over the years since our first Wounded Warriors Weekend, and now with this incredible facility to call our home, we have the opportunity to expand our weekend to a full week and include such things as equine therapy, service dog training for participants, cognitive programs and so much more along with the fishing and other outdoor events we’ve found so successful over the years.”
Emmons went on to express his deep gratitude to the hundreds of volunteers, many who were present, as well as the businesses and corporations throughout the province who helped make the day possible.
Hugh Wagner, general secretary of GSU said, “Grain and General services Union was happy to support Wounded Warriors Weekend in the very beginning of this important work. Our support continues and we are equally happy to learn that Camp Independence is about to become a reality. Congratulations to all who are making this happen.”
Gerald and Irene Purcell expressed total commitment to the alliance and added, “We are looking forward to greeting our first group of participants in mid July 2019. These men and women have made it possible for people like us to have what we have, and to live the life we do in a country that’s free. We simply look forward to doing our part in giving back to those who have given us so much.”
Camp Independence at Tobin Lake Trophy Adventures Lodge will make announcements regarding opening date within the next 30 days.
