Calendar

Join us for a relaxed afternoon of crafting, conversation, and connection! Bring along your own craft or project to work on, or use the supplies provided. Enjoy coffee, tea, and snacks while connecting with other adults in the military community. Occasional Care-Childminding will be available during the program for a fee; separate registration is required for children who will be attending Occasional Care. Whether you come to create, chat, or simply enjoy some time with others, everyone is welcome!

When a member of your family joins the military it can sometimes be a confusing new world to understand. This fun and interactive workshop offers an introduction to the military and the military lifestyle. Topics will include: an overview of the Canadian Armed Forces, rank structure, acronyms and abbreviations and much more! This is an adult program for ages 19yrs+. Parents of members, partners/spouses of members, adult children, and friends of members are welcome to attend. To register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/7k1E4ttLR2K422I1tCu_Sg

Families with children and youth with diverse care needs are invited to join us in the Occasional & Respite Care Room at the Shearwater site, where caregivers can connect with others who may have similar experiences, share tips and understanding the added challenges of navigating life with family members with diverse care needs. Our sensory cart will also be available while children explore different activities and materials inside, and weather permitting, enjoy the fenced in playground.  There will be snacks available, and you are welcome to bring your own.  There is no tv or video games in the space. 

Come enjoy a delicious family brunch while the kids play, explore, and have fun in a welcoming and relaxed setting. It’s also a great opportunity to meet and connect with other military families in the community.

Whether you come for brunch, free play, or both, we look forward to seeing you for a morning full of fun at the Shearwater site!

Join us for a fun and festive morning of holiday crafting and play! Families can get creative with seasonal crafts, enjoy some time to play, and connect with other military families in a relaxed and welcoming space. Come ready to make something festive and enjoy some holiday fun together! 

Take a break for lunch and enjoy a family-friendly taco bar with all the fixings! Families can grab a bite to eat, enjoy some social time, and connect with others in the military community. Come hungry and ready for a fun afternoon at the Centre! 

Morale mail is an important way for families to stay connected during deployment, and we know it is not always easy to drop off packages during regular business hours. During Community Connection Day on Sunday November 22nd , families can stop by the H&R MFRC, Halifax Site anytime between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM to drop off morale mail packages.

Families are also welcome to stay and take part in any Community Connection Day programs they have registered for.

This is an information file only. Registration is not required for morale mail drop-off.

Are you getting ready for your loved one's return and wondering how to make the transition as smooth as possible? Homecoming is often the most anticipated part of deployment, but after months apart, it can take time, patience, and effort to adjust to life together again. Join us to talk about the joys and challenges of reunion and how to navigate the transition and set realistic expectations.

Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Yt6as_yJRv6tO5VEfFFIFg

Is your family preparing for the return of a deployed loved one? Reunion can be an exciting time for children, but it can also come with challenges as they adjust and reconnect. Parents and caregivers-join us to talk about how to prepare children for the emotions and changes that come with reunion and how to support kids in reconnecting with their returning loved one.

Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ljZWWZcLROe0lvvmp14Iew

The Occasional and Respite Child Care program is designed specifically to support the unique needs of military families by offering flexible, short-term, unlicensed childcare in a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment with Early Childhood Educators. 

Children ages 8 months to 12 years will engage in a variety of age-appropriate games, connect with peers through play and social experiences, listen to stories, sing songs and much more.  Priority will be given to families who are experiencing additional stressors due to the military lifestyle. 

More details: 

https://cfmws.ca/halifax/halifax-region-military-family-resource-centre/h-r-mfrc-children-families/occasional-child-care 

This program is now full. Add your name to our waitlist: info@hrmfrc.ca

Mental Health First Aid Veteran Community is the help provided to members of the Veteran Community developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. 

It does not train people to become counsellors or therapists and just like with physical first aid, we need to ensure that those most in contact with members of the Veteran Community can identify an emerging mental health problem and respond effectively in the event of a crisis. 

Participants will gain a solid understanding of the 5 basic actions of ALGEE: 

Assess the risk of suicide and/or harm
Listen non-judgmentally 
Give reassurance
Encourage professional support
Encourage other supports

For more information and to register contact:
info@hrmfrc.ca
902-427-7788

Priority will be given to medically released Veterans, and their families. Other community members are welcome to join, space permitting.

Looking to kick back and relax? What better way to do so than to come out to the YC for Open Drop-ins! This is a safe space for youth to hang out with friends to play with our sports equipment, foosball, video games, board games, and it’s a creative space with paint and craft supplies. All this and more are available during our drop-in times. Registration Required.  

Looking to kick back and relax? What better way to do so than to come out to the YC for Open Drop-ins! This is a safe space for youth to hang out with friends to play with our sports equipment, foosball, video games, board games, and it’s a creative space with paint and craft supplies. All this and more are available during our drop-in times. Registration Required. 

The YC is looking for volunteers, ages 12-17 years old, that would like to share program ideas, help out at events and mentor younger youth. This is a great opportunity to strengthen your leadership skills and sharpen your talents working with a team. And as a bonus, you’ll be involved in your community and build your resume! Register online today!

Continue the adventure after D&D! Youth can hang out, paint their own miniatures, and spend some time developing their characters through backstories, personalities, and other creative details. Registration Required! 

Dungeons & Dragons is a fantasy based role-playing game played with 4+ people. Together with the Dungeon Master, imaginary worlds are created. Moving through the story, individual characters will form teams that explore, battle and problem solve through each adventure. Together we will gather treasure, knowledge and experience points. Register online today.

Looking to make friends, build confidence, and learn skills that will help you handle life’s ups and downs? Then come join friends and staff at the Henderson Sweetman Youth Centre for Smart Steps: The Comms Circle; a fun and interactive program designed for youth ages 9–13 to practice social skills, emotional regulation, and peer connections through games, group discussions, and hands-on activities. For more information, please reach out to Hannah. Registration required – register today! 

Who holds the glory of the ultimate Super Smash Bro Champ at the YC? It could be you! Register today to reserve your spot for our head-to-head Smash Bro Royal (using Nintendo Switch). No experience needed, just bring your best game face and get ready to smash your way to the top! Bragging rights guaranteed! Register online today!!        

Join us for Hearts Apart: Cards of Cheer!
Youth ages 9–16 are invited to help spread some holiday cheer to CAF members serving away from home! Create holiday cards filled with messages, drawings, and well-wishes to send to deployed members this holiday season.

We’ll enjoy some pizza while we create, connect, and send a little holiday cheer across the miles.

Teens ages 13+: An evening intended for older youth to come and hangout; youth will have the opportunity to relax, connect with friends, engaging in mature discussions and participate in activities that build social connections and friendships. Space limited, so register today!

Hang out and relax with your peers in your cozy clothes or pajamas. We'll put some fresh kettle corn on and spend time connecting! Registration Required. For more information, please reach out to Hannah.

H&R MFRC Navigators are military family service professionals who know the military lifestyle and its unique challenges, the community, and the services/supports available to families.  Navigators will work with families to learn about their military journey, listen to their questions, needs, and strengths, and identify the best tools, services and supports available to help them. 

Make an appointment

The H&R MFRC offers a supportive space that helps you build strategies to navigate the complex and ever-changing world of work. Our Career & Employment Services are comprehensive and client centered - focusing specifically on the individual’s needs and finding solutions for their particular job / life challenges.

Make an appointment

We offer free, confidential, short‑term counselling to support families with stress, work-related separations, parenting challenges, relationship issues, separation and divorce, grief and loss, family violence, and more.

Appointments are available in English or French, virtually, by phone, in person, or off‑site, with flexible hours to fit your family’s schedule.

Call (902) 427‑7788 and ask for the intake worker.

Join the H&R MFRC for an exciting night of QMJHL action as we cheer on the Cape Breton Eagles when they take on the Charlottetown Islanders!

The H&R MFRC is pleased to offer a limited number of FREE tickets for military and veteran families to enjoy an evening of hockey, community, and fun. Gather your family, wear your Eagles colours, and get ready to experience the excitement of game night!

Enter our draw for a chance to win!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CapeBretonEagles

Please Note:

• Entry is limited to 2 tickets per adult/family.

• One entry per household.

• Registration closes on Monday, November 16, 2026.

• Winners will be selected through a random draw and contacted by Wednesday, November 18, 2026.

• Only selected recipients will be contacted directly.

• Individuals selected in the draw must confirm acceptance of their tickets within 48 hours.

• Unclaimed tickets will be offered to those on the waitlist.

• A waitlist will be maintained based on the order drawn.

Game Details

Date: Friday, December 11, 2026

Puck Drop: 7:00 PM

Location: Centre 200, 481 George Street, Sydney

Ticket Pickup:

Tickets must be picked up at the Centre 200 Box Office on game night. Please bring photo identification, as it will be required to claim your tickets.

Military life can take us many places, but meaningful connections keep us grounded. Join us for Cape Breton Virtual Connect, a fun and welcoming online gathering designed for military families, parents of military members, Veterans, and dual-serving couples living in Sydney and surrounding communities across Cape Breton!

Each session offers a chance to connect, learn, and discover what's happening in your local community! The first part of our session will be with a Community Spotlight Guest Speaker, and the second part will encompass Community Connections & Conversations. 

November 25th Session: Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) will be joining us to talk about their role as a recreation service provider in the municipality as well as their connections with community organizations who also deliver programs and services for all ages and interests whether it be arts & culture, sport and recreation including equipment loan programs.

Your ideas matter! If there's a topic, local resource, or community interest you'd like featured in a future Community Spotlight, we'd love to hear from you.

What to Expect

Community Spotlight Guest Speaker Each month, we'll welcome a local guest speaker to share insights, tips, and inspiration on a variety of interesting topics, including:

• Exploring Cape Breton's best hiking trails

• Gardening tips and seasonal growing ideas

• How to get started volunteering in your community

• Nutritious and budget-friendly meals

• Local activities, hidden gems, and much more!

Community Connections & Conversation Stay in the know about local events, activities, programs, and opportunities happening throughout Cape Breton. Learn about MFRC supports and services, meet members of our team, ask questions, and connect with others who share similar experiences.

Local Prize Draws As a special bonus, every session includes a draw for a prize from a local Cape Breton business or organization!

Why Join?

Meet new people and build local connections

Discover community resources and opportunities

Learn about MFRC programs and services

Enjoy engaging guest speakers and discussions

Win great local prizes

Whether you're new to the area or have called Cape Breton home for years, we'd love to connect with you.

Register today and come be part of the conversation. We can't wait to meet you! 

Whether you're new to the area or have called Cape Breton home for years, we'd love the opportunity to connect with you. Register today and join the conversation. We look forward to meeting you!

Please note: Participation by camera is completely optional. Registration is required and will close three business days prior to the event.

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/JyRe-8NhRRO482pxA5qftA

The Halifax & Region MFRC invites military and veteran families to join us for a cozy and creative evening at Fired Creations Pottery Painting in Cape Breton. Whether you're a seasoned artist or have never picked up a paintbrush before, this is the perfect opportunity to connect with others, unwind, and create a unique pottery piece to take home.

Who Can Attend?

Military and veteran families are welcome to register for this event.

Cost: Free! The MFRC will cover the base pottery painting cost of up to $30 per person. Any additional costs beyond the base amount, including upgrades or extras, will be the responsibility of the participant.

Note: Pre-registration is required.

The Halifax & Region MFRC invites military and veteran family members to join us for an Adult Dinner Out at Boston Pizza in Sydney. Take a break from your daily routine and enjoy an evening of conversation, laughter, and connection with others who understand the unique experiences of military life.

The MFRC will purchase the pizza! 

Any costs beyond the pizza, including beverages, taxes, gratuities, and additional menu items, will be the responsibility of the participant.

Whether you're new to the area, looking to make new friends, reconnect with familiar faces, or simply enjoy a night out, this relaxed and welcoming gathering is the perfect opportunity to share a meal and build community.

Pre-registration is required.