Op VetBuild’s free programming more than a reason ‘to get out of the house’
Whether it’s trying your hand at a new hobby, picking up some tips and tricks to personalize your model, or simply having a chat over a cup of coffee, Kingston Royal Canadian Legion Branch 098’s OP VetBuild initiative provides a supportive, stress-free environment for veterans, serving members, RCMP and their families to socialize – while learning a new skill.
This peer-to-peer initiative, first established in Ajax, Ontario, in 2019 by Craig Hood, RCL Nova Scotia/ Nunavut executive director; has been adopted by branches all across Canada, including Kingston, which began offering the program in January. Thanks to support received from donations and the poppy campaign, the program is free.
Although the Legion has a variety of model kits available for participants to choose from, Anne Soanes-Bernard, Branch 098 volunteer, says individuals do not need to participate in model building to join the group. The program offers a variety of craft options, as well as games, tea and coffee.
“To get out of the house, sometimes you just need a reason,” Soanes-Bernard says. “This could be the reason. This is all provided for people to come out, and enjoy some company, some conversation and some coffee.”
Some participants bring in their own hobbies to work on, including knitting or crocheting, while others spend time conversing over a game of crib. Ken Riles is currently putting together an impressive 4,000-piece Lego Cat bulldozer model.
If you’re interested in trying your hand at model building, the group includes a few enthusiasts who are happy to share their knowledge. Doug Harrison, who initially joined himself to meet new people, found a “wealth of information” in his fellow builders. He’s now learning different painting techniques with the help of his peers.
Denis Aucoin, who discovered his love of model building while helping to repair his father’s Bluenose ship model, enjoys trying out various painting techniques to give his models a more realistic look. He encourages other to give model building a try, as he finds it a great activity for the mind, providing something positive to focus on. It’s also rewarding to discover new ways of adding details to your build and sharing your knowledge with others.
“It’s amazing what you can do when you experiment.”
Keith Squires, a retired avionics technician, is working on his own exciting project, a model of the Avro CF100 Canuck interceptor/ fighter: “it was the first aircraft I ever touched.” When Squires was in Borden, he was tasked with the restoration of the CF100 at the base’s military museum. Now, he is challenging himself to create a detailed model of that first plane, using various parts made by hand and with the help of a 3D printer, as well as a lot of research and pictures of the aircraft’s interior parts. His endeavour will definitely be challenging: the parts Squires is working on for the wheelhouse are miniscule.
“I’m trying to make it as realistic as possible.”
While Branch 098 hopes to make the program an ongoing activity, it is also brainstorming ideas for further group programs – maybe cooking and painting classes, or even a craft or Lego-building program for military kids and their parents. Soanes-Bernard encourages anyone with suggestions to contact rcl98.opvetbuild@gmail.com.
