MFRC prepares families for long-awaited deployment return

Families and friends gather to show their love at the Greater Victoria Shoreline on a previous operation. Photo: Captain Simon Wilson.

Kateryna Bandura, 
Lookout Editor

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When children arrive at the jetties on Monday to meet their parents after six months apart, they are greeted by a variety of entertainment, courtesy of the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC).

The MFRC has been an invaluable player in supporting military families. Lisa Church, MFRC Community Engagement Manager, said Monday’s homecoming of the two ships wouldn’t be an exception.

“We planned to be alongside families to support them however they need. Sometimes that means holding babies while their parents greet their partners after so long away,” Church said.

Families experience many comforts including hot chocolate, coffee, festive music, a baby changing area and washrooms.

She said the MFRC team has been excited to be on the jetty offering a warm welcome to military families and celebrating homecoming together. Among the entertainment awaiting children are gift bags, colouring books, chalk, festive tattoos, and the mascot Radar, who happily sings and dances with the children

“There’s nothing like seeing joyful reunion with families after so many months apart,” she said.

HMCS Winnipeg and HMCS Vancouver enter the Esquimalt Harbour, passing Duntze Head on Monday, Dec. 5.