Joined
1984
Postings
- CFB Valcartier
- CFB Gagetown
Deployments
- 1992 – Bosnia
- 1995 – Croatia
A dream
Thirty years ago, Major (Retired) Sandra Perron attended a women’s retreat, not knowing how much it would shape her future.
Just before she deployed on a six-month peacekeeping mission to Bosnia, Perron attended a women’s retreat in Quebec. She met eight women and learned useful life skills. This experience gave her the tools and friendships she would rely on soon after.
Perron was the anti-tank platoon commander during the Croation offensive in 1995. The Croation soldiers wanted to get their photo taken with Perron. They were surprised that a woman was "the big chief."
The goal
As the first female infantry officer in the Canadian Army, Perron learned how vital support from other women can be. Today, she wants to ensure that Women Veterans know they are not alone.
“We’re going to mentor [the next generation of Women Veterans] and be their allies, their sisters-in-arms, their coaches and colleagues.”
Perron wants to ensure that Women Veterans know they are not alone.
The journey
After leaving the Army, Perron spent 20 years learning how to lead “lifeshops”—life-focused workshops for Women Veterans and military spouses. She spent years travelling across the country, hosting these lifeshops, before having a realization.
“It was hard to travel; it was very challenging. So, I wanted our own place to have these retreats.”
And so, the concept of The Pepper Pod was born.
Support from Veterans Affairs Canada
Perron purchased the building, but it would need some changes before it could be the ideal space for retreats.
Perron needed funding to prepare the retreats and keep costs low for attending Veterans. So, she applied to Veterans Affairs Canada’s Veteran and Family Well-being Fund and was selected.
Building networks, uplifting Women Veterans
In September 2024, The Pepper Pod launched its first programming, with all retreat costs covered. With just a small registration fee, Women Veterans, those preparing to release, as well as spouses, can connect and build lasting support networks.
Finding "your people" is key to building networks of support for Veterans.
“We’ve just been doing weekend retreats. What we want to do is way more. We’re going to have Wonder Woman Wednesdays (little workshops), work parties, and holiday events. Everything to build a strong network of Women Veterans so that the next generation knows that we’re there for them.”
Being there for each other is important for The Pepper Pod’s success.
Video
Major (Retired) Sandra Perron
With courage, integrity and loyalty, Sandra Perron is leaving her mark. She is a Canadian Armed Forces Veteran. Discover more stories.
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