Old Boots veterans group welcomes all elements of the military and RCMP, any age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation and identity, and level of physical ability.
Old Boots employs a structured but flexible weekly meeting format which includes members individually commenting on joys and frustrations of their previous week, guided group discussions during handcraft projects (quilting, soapstone carving, and leatherwork, as examples). The handcrafting discussions typically focus on stressors/triggers and coping mechanisms, reintegration into civilian life, and world events.

In the veterans meeting there is often a lot of laughter, sometimes tears, but always a feeling of safety and group acceptance and support. Many members look forward to Old Boots veterans group meetings as opportunities to pause and regroup during the difficult OSI healing process; one member describes it as “A cool drink of water on a long march”.

Each Old Boots veterans group meeting ends in guided visualization sessions to assist in relaxation and calming before the group members depart. It provides a safe, respectful, confidential, and fun environment where veterans can vent, learn, and receive strength from each other as they work through the difficulties of healing and adjusting to the civilian world.

• Injuries that interfere with the handwork don’t exclude members.