About Us
Helping Those Who Served
Heroes Mending on the Fly Canada (HMFC) is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active Canadian Armed Forces personnel and disabled veterans through fly-tying, fly-fishing and associated activities, including education and outings. We are serving military personnel who have been wounded, injured or disabled to aid their physical and emotional recovery by introducing or building fly-fishing and fly-tying skills to kindle a lifelong love for the sport.
While we primarily focus on providing these activities to existing and retired members of the Canadian military, we also welcome HMFC participants from other organizations, such as the RCMP, other Canadian police members, firefighters and EMS personnel, who have previous military service with regular or reserve forces.
Fly fishing has been proven to sustain coping effort and commitment in the face of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), restore control by alleviating PTSD symptoms and can serve as a context for personal transformation and posttraumatic growth (Craig et al., 2020).
Trips and educational programs are provided at no cost for participants. HMFC strives to serve those who have made brave sacrifices in the service of our country. At HMFC, we hope to share our love for fly fishing and foster the joy it has brought us in you.
Guiding Heroes Through Healing and Connection
A Message from Our National President
I retired from the Canadian Armed Forces at the rank of Warrant Officer after nearly 42 years of service. My career included nine years in the Naval Reserve and nearly 32 years in the Regular Force as a vehicle technician. During that time, I had the privilege of serving in Germany, Israel, Afghanistan, Sarajevo, and Eritrea, as well as across Canada.
Fly-fishing has been part of my life since I was about eight years old. It has brought me joy, peace, and a lasting connection to the outdoors. While stationed in Goose Bay Labrador, I taught myself to tie flies, beginning a passion that continues to this day.
In 2009, I became involved with Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Canada. In 2019, with the support of our dedicated executive committee, we founded Heroes Mending on the Fly Canada (HMFC). It has been an honour to serve as National Director of an organization committed to supporting the physical and emotional recovery of ill and injured Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans, RCMP members, and first responders.
Through fly-tying, fly-fishing, and time spent together on the water, we offer opportunities to learn, build friendships, and find renewed confidence and a sense of belonging. At the heart of our program are the people who make it possible: participants, volunteers, and supporters who share a commitment to helping one another.
I invite you to join us and become part of this community. Together, we can help those who have served find connection, camaraderie, and moments of peace—one fly at a time.
Gervais Jeffrey, WO (Ret’d)
National Director
Heroes Mending on the Fly Canada
nationaldirector@hmotf.ca
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A Message from our National Vice President
I served 30 years in the Canadian Armed Forces, splitting my career between the Army and the Royal Canadian Air Force as a Military Engineer.
After several tours and multiple injuries, I was medically released in 2017. A lifelong fly fisherman, I first learned the art of fly tying from a fellow Engineer in the late 1980s. What began as a hobby has grown into a passion that keeps me busy during the winter months, while my spring and summer are spent on the water—a therapy far more effective for me than any treatment or medication.
Following a rewarding career, I felt the need to give back and support my fellow Veterans. My love of fly fishing naturally led me to Heroes Mending on the Fly Canada, where I have had the privilege and humility of witnessing the powerful, positive impact this program has on Veterans’ lives.
Warm regards,
CWO Ray McEachern, MMM, CD (Ret’d)
National Vice President Heroes Mending on the Fly Canada
national.vice-director@hmotf.ca
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who are we?
Heroes Mending on the Fly Canada (HMFC) is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of injured members of the Canadian military, RCMP, first responders, and veterans through fly fishing and its associated ongoing program activities, including education and outings. With programs nationwide, HMFC provides basic fly-fishing, fly casting, and fly-tying to participants ranging from beginners to those adapting to new abilities.
What does the program offer?
HMFC provides basic fly-fishing, fly-casting, and fly-tying classes for participants. Equipment and materials are provided free of charge for the first year. Fishing trips, both one-day and multi-day, are offered at minimal cost.
How many participants have you served?
Since 2019, we served over 350 injured and disabled military service members, veterans and first responders nationwide. This number doesn’t include family members who might have participated in a family day or weekend event.
How are we funded?
HMFC relies on the generosity of individuals, private donors, corporate sponsorships, and foundation grants. We also receive in-kind donations such as fly-fishing equipment and materials.
Is there a cost to participate?
HMFC strives to keep the cost for all participants at the very low as possible. For first-year participants, we supply all the tying equipment and materials free of charge. After the first year, we encourage the participants to join their local tying club. This is why we are seeking to partner with local fly-fishing clubs. Fishing trips, one day and multiday are provided at a minimal cost to participants
Who does HMFC serve?
HMFC serves wounded and disabled active military service members, and disabled veterans from all military branches and service eras and all first responders who meet our requirements are eligible.
How much of every dollar donated goes to participants?
HMFC works hard to keep administrative costs below 8% of donations. We do not have any paid staff working at the main headquarters where all work is accomplished by volunteers. All the teaching is also done by volunteers who graciously donate their time to support participants.
Who qualifies to be an HMFC participant?
HMFC Participants can be Military Service personnel (i.e., Active or Reserve Component or Disabled Veterans who meet our eligibility requirement) Participants can also be in the First Responder category (i.e., serving or retired injured RCMP Officer, Serving or retired injured police Officer, injured serving or retired Fire Fighter, injured serving or retired EMS)
Military Service Personnel must meet both of the following criteria:
1. Service members who have been wounded, ill, disabled, injured, or obtained a medical condition during their active military service “in line of duty” means a wound, illness, disease, injury or medical condition incurred during their period of active military service that was not the result of the military service member’s own willful misconduct.
2. They are recommended to take part in the HMFC program by their military health care provider (i.e., military transition centre, doctor, physical therapist, occupational therapist, etc.) at a Medical Unit Service (UMS) of the Department of National Defence (DND), by the Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA), military Transition Unit or other military designated health care providers as requiring ongoing medical treatment. Please note that patients presently receiving treatment for any medical condition at any of these facilities, which in the opinion of their medical health provider, will not result in a disability rating are welcome to attend HMFC activities while receiving treatment. They will be counted as a participant while receiving treatment but not eligible to be a participants after treatment ends.
Veterans must have at least one of the following criteria:
1. Have been medically released under the QR&O Chapter 15 under category 3 A or B for medical reasons, category 4 A, B and C voluntary release but he received a medical pension or under category 5 A, B or C Service completed and receiving a medical pension. Veterans who have been released under the categories 1 or 2 and or under 5 D, E and F are not eligible to become a participant. Proof of your release category could be asked before being accepted to become a participant.
2. They are a disabled veteran with a disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA).
3. Is recommended to take part in our HMFC program by DVA staff, if granted referral authority by local DVA leadership or, DVA medical personnel (i.e., recreational therapist, doctor, physical therapist, etc.).
4. Has a Military Service rating and is awaiting their disability rating from the DVA. Note that a military service rating is interim proof of eligibility with the understanding that the disability rating will be issued.
First responders may participate if they meet one of the following criteria:
1. Serving or retired from one of the following services: Members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Members of the provincial or municipal police officer, Fire fighter regular or volunteer, Emergency Medical Services, Correctional officer federal and provincial.
2. They have been injured/disabled during their normal line of duty. Injured that is not a result of their own wishful misconduct.
3. They have been referred by their doctor, therapist, or other medical specialists.
How do I apply for participation?
There is no application form to fill out. However, all individuals who want to participate in HMFC must meet our organization’s participant eligibility requirements. Please refer to question 1 on eligibility requirements. Individuals who meet our participant’s requirements can connect with the nearest HMFC program to them.
How do I find the closest HMFC program?
HMFC programs are available nationwide. Visit our Locations page for more information.
How can I go on a fishing trip with HMFC?
To attend a fishing trip with HMFC, disabled veterans and first responders you must first get connected with your local HMFC where you will first learn the basics of fly-tying and fly fishing. Click here to find the nearest HMFC Program. After learning the basics of fly fishing at your local HMFC Program, there will be many opportunities to attend local fishing outings. With your continued involvement with your local HMFC Program level, there will be potentially some possibilities for you to attend fly fishing outings outside your area.