Organization has supported over 16,000 members since its inception with golf playing a key role
CALEDON, Ont. – On Remembrance Day, Canadians pause to reflect and commemorate the brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defending our freedoms, while honouring veterans and active service members stationed around the world.
Programs such as Soldier On provide support to serving members and veterans who experience illness or injury—whether physical or psychological, visible or invisible—through sport, recreation and creative activities.
Soldier On is a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) program that is managed and delivered by Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services through personal support programs on behalf of the Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group.
Based off its four pillars of Activities and Events, Active for Life, High Profile Events and Communication, Outreach and Awareness, the program has supported more than 16,000 serving CAF members and veterans since its inception in 2007.
Programming is offered in a safe and inclusive environment focused on recovery, personal growth and renewed purpose. Soldier On works to reduce financial barriers for an active lifestyle and promote connections through participation at over 120 events and activities hosted annually across the country.
Among the many activities offered through Soldier On, golf programming is in high demand from its members due in large part to the countless health benefits, both physical and mental that the sport provides. For those recovering from physical and mental illness and/or injury, golf can be a great aid in recovery.
“Golf continues to be one of Soldier On’s most popular sports, with strong demand for camps, clinics, and local opportunities across the country. The sport offers a unique combination of physical activity, social connection, and time outdoors, making it an ideal activity for many of our members, helping them to stay active, build confidence, and connect with peers in a supportive environment,” said Melanie Borges, communications manager, Soldier On. “It aligns perfectly with our mission of enhancing recovery and wellbeing through sport, recreation, and creative activities. The high demand for our golf camps and grants shows just how much it means to our members.”
In 2026 to date, Soldier On has hosted 12 golf events nationwide with three additional indoor golf events planned over the coming months.
All golf events and camps that are part of Soldier On are offered to registered members, free of cost all over the country. Events consist of one day scramble tournaments and introductory lessons and can include weeklong national camps.
In addition to camps, 222 equipment grants totalling over $150,000 were issued allowing members to purchase golf equipment and/or memberships to continue playing on their own schedule.
Soldier On was also the charitable beneficiary of two PGA Tour America events this past July including the Commissionaires Ottawa Open (Ottawa, Ont.) and the Explore New Brunswick Open (Fredericton, N.B.). At both tournaments, money was raised in support of Soldier On with members representing the program as honorary observers in tournament Pro Ams while also learning from Tour pros at dedicated clinics offered during tournament week.
Members who have participated in Soldier On golf programs and offerings across the country have shared their positive experiences and how the game has aided their recovery.
“The program showed me I can easily expand my group of golf friends instead of sticking to my inner circle. I would never golf solo before, but now I feel like I can if other friends aren’t available. I feel like my knowledge and skill in the game have improved enough to make me feel more confident around the course. The program was first-class from start to finish, and I felt very privileged to be a part of it.”
– Daniel, participant, Atlantic National Golf Camp
“I got home a few minutes ago from my first golf game since getting the new clubs. The clubs didn’t fix my game; nothing will, haha. But going out with my son for the first time truly strengthened our already strong bond. I’m going out to play with friends later this week; I’ve never played with them before even though we’ve been friends for 15 years. The golf clinics and Soldier On events at the Commissionaires Open have meant a lot to me, and I enjoyed the experience so much that I volunteered at the tournament the following year. This helps me so much, both physically and emotionally, that it’s difficult to put into words.”
– Bill Seguin, recipient, Equipment Grant
“There is no better therapy than green grass and 18 holes.”
“This event has helped me stay active and further ignite my passion for golf. Golf has pulled me out of some dark times in my life and forced me to be active and social. I honestly don’t know where I would be now if I hadn’t found this hobby that has pulled me away from a very depressive state to waking up every morning looking forward to my next round.”
“Soldier On events like this really help to further ignite my passion for the game, take me out of my home comfort zone, and engage in social activities that I would normally avoid.”
– Jason Stoneham, participant, Soldier On Western Golf Camp
For more information on the health benefits that the sport of golf provides, please visit health.golfcanada.ca.
For additional information on Remembrance Day, the Poppy Campaign and ceremonies observed across Canada, please visit legion.ca/remembrance/remembrance-day.
For more information on the Soldier On program, please visit soldieron.ca.
