Russell Vida is the founder of Shoulder 2 Shoulder, a non-profit organization that focuses on helping Canadian veterans and first responders cope with the physical and mental challenges they face after service.

Shoulder 2 Shoulder mission is to provide peer support, community involvement, and resources to those struggling with PTSD, mental health issues, and the overall transition to civilian life. The annual Shoulder 2 Shoulder event hosted by Vancouver Island Society for Adaptive Snow Sports (VISAS) and Mount Washington Alpine Resort on Vancouver Island is sponsored by VISAS through support and grants to help support ill and injured veterans, and RCMP, along with their caregivers through snow sports.

This snow week provides the opportunity for participants to return to a sport they may once have enjoyed or to introduce them to a winter sport that may become a lifelong family activity. This week long event will be financially covered, including a travel grant to and from our location. Our goal is to have a fun, inclusive safe week with many positive experiences.

How Shoulder 2 Shoulder Helps Veterans & RCMP:

1. Peer Support Networks: Shoulder 2 Shoulder offers a platform where veterans can connect with others who have shared similar experiences. These networks provide emotional support and camaraderie, which are essential for veterans dealing with trauma.
2. Rehabilitation through Outdoor Activities: The organization often engages veterans in outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and other nature-based therapies. These activities help veterans reconnect with themselves and others while fostering mental clarity, resilience, and emotional healing.
3. Workshops and Counseling: They provide various workshops focused on mental health, trauma recovery, and transitioning from military to civilian life. Shoulder 2 Shoulder also helps guide veterans through the process of seeking professional mental health services.

Spartan Wellness collaborates with Shoulder 2 Shoulder by offering medical solutions and other holistic wellness services to veterans in need. Spartan Wellness, with its focus on physical and mental well-being, complements Shoulder 2 Shoulder’s mission by providing access to alternative treatments such as medical cannabis for veterans dealing with chronic pain, PTSD, and anxiety. Spartan Wellness also supports the organization’s events, helping to raise awareness and funds for the cause.

Together, these organizations create a broader support system that empowers veterans to regain control of their health and lives.

Great Things Happen Together

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