War veteran’s Paddleboard Expedition for PTSD arrives in Ottawa on July 6

Who: Trevor Peterson, Afghanistan veteran
What: “Paddling for PTSD” to raise awareness of PTSD across Ontario
When: Arrives at the National Arts Centre at approximately at noon on Monday, July 6. Local paddlers (paddleboat or canoe) may join the flotilla at 10:00 a.m. at Dow’s Lake. War veteran Trevor Petersen was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after a tour in Afghanistan. He started paddleboarding as a form of recreation and then decided to raise awareness about PTSD by creating “Paddling with PTSD”.

In summer 2014, Trevor travelled from Edmonton to Winnipeg on a stand-up paddleboard. While travelling across the Prairies, he was approached by many people who were affected by PTSD in one way or another.

This led to a decision to raise funds for the Canadian Mental Health Association. He has been hosted in part by Canadian Legions along the way.

This year’s expedition followed Lake Ontario and the Rideau River system. It started in Toronto on June 13 and will wind up at the National Arts Centre on Monday, July 6 around 12:00 noon. Anyone wishing to join Trevor by paddleboat or canoe for the trip down the Canal can join the flotilla at Dow’s Lake at 10:00 a.m.

Further information on Trevor can be found at: http://www.paddlingwithptsd.com/#!meettrevor/csgz
A video is available at: http://o.canada.com/news/videos-of-the-year-paddling-for-ptsd

For more information or to arrange an interview please contact Marie-Paul Petersen, Expedition Administrator, directly at [email protected] or 780-721-4289.