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Absence Support

Information and resources for friends and family members who are supporting military members away from home due to an absence.

Canada Post: Holiday Postal Service

You will be able to send care packages free of charge from any Canada Post Retail Outlet to designated overseas locations from October 15, 2024 to February 28, 2025.
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Contact Information


Email: [email protected]

Is your military member away from home due to an absence (course, exercise, deployment, overseas, Imposed Restriction, etc.)? Register with us to receive work-related absence information on resources and services available to you and your family, get connected to the MFRC local to you and/or receive support in French.

Preparing for Deployment & Absence Resources and Services

Ready for that upcoming deployment or work-related absence? We recommend that you go through the following information before the departure date arrives.
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During Deployment & Absence Resources and Services

Currently experiencing a deployment or work-related absence? Discover the resources and services available to you and your family.
More information

Return and Reintegration Resources and Services

Prepare for homecoming and beyond with these resources.
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Programming at the MFRC

Person rolling out a yoga mat on the floor.

Wellness Wednesday: Mindful Movement

In January, we invite you to join our Wellness Team member and nourishing movement leader Kaitlyn for an evening of gentle movement.
Register
Four hands holding coffee mugs in a toast.

Drop-In Morning Coffee Connections

Are you looking to meet other military-connected family members, or are you new to town? In February, we will create and enjoy some simple Valentine’s Day crafts together.
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Three people sitting and chatting with communicative hand gestures.

Mental Health First Aid

Help understand, identify, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use concerns. Registration deadline: February 14th.
Register
Assorted paintbrushes on a paint-covered surface.

Wellness Wednesday: Mindful Creativity

In February we invite you to join our Wellness team member and resident art teacher Behni for an evening of restorative creative exploration.
Register
Top-down view of three bowls of soup on a wooden table.

Community Kitchen

Enjoy cooking delicious meals and connect with other military families in this facilitated and fun cooking program. The theme for February is comfort food!
Register

Return and Reintegration Workshop

Learn a bit about what you can expect, be introduced to some resources that may aid you and your family, and have a chance to connect with other military family members anticipating a homecoming.
Register

Banner Making Event & Pickup Kits

Let the MFRC assist you in preparing for your loved one’s homecoming by supplying you with all the materials needed to make welcome home banners and decorations. 
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Growing Parents

A supportive and educational group for new and expecting parents. Guest Speakers and topics related to pregnancy and parenting babies up to 12 months of age.
Register

Parent & Child Programming

The MFRC offers several in-person options for parents to meet other parents, and for children to connect.
Stay & Play 123 Music & Me

Programming for Children and Youth

People playing a card game at a table.

Fast Friends (Ages 8-15): Board and Card Game Cafe

Join us in January for an evening of board and card games for all abilities.
Register
People holding rolled-up yoga mats.

Fast Friends (Ages 8-15): Self-Care and Yoga Night

Check out some fun ways to be kind to yourself this February! Try a self-care craft and some gentle yoga with the Fast Friends team.
Register

Supporting Children Through Absence

Help your child(ren) adjust to a parent being away on a deployment or work-related absence.
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Respite Child Care During Absences

Available at no cost when a military parent is deployed or away for work-related reasons for 21 consecutive days or more. 
More information