Mr. Brian Charles Harding is currently a Constable with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, having retired from the Canadian Armed Forces as a Sergeant, and received the General Campaign Star for his service in Afghanistan. Mr. Harding is a member of The Royal Canadian Legion and previously volunteered with youth in the Royal Canadian Army Cadet program in the Yukon.
Mr. Harding has long provided assistance and support to wounded Veterans and service members at risk of mental health problems. In 2013, Mr. Harding, in partnership with Daniel McInnis and Jordan Irvine, developed an idea to help Canadian Armed Forces members and Veterans across Canada. The “Send Up the Count” campaign was launched on Facebook in November 2013 and continues to this day. “Send Up the Count” stemmed from a military command given on patrol, where each soldier in turn reaches out and taps the soldier in front and announces their presence. The initiative engages Veterans or current-serving military personnel to reach out virtually, by telephone or in person, to check in with fellow military personnel and Veterans and provide referrals to medical and mental health providers in their area.
Mr. Harding’s work with “Send Up the Count” has significantly improved supports to military personnel and Veterans and, in at least one case, saved the life of a Veteran at immediate risk of suicide.