<div>My name is Mark Long and I'm a former RCMP and Law Enforcement Officer who was diagnosed with PTSD. As a first responder, I often witnessed or was exposed to death, grief, pain, loss, injury,  threats to my safety, long days of work, poor sleep, physical hardships, and other negative experiences. 
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<div>On July 7th, 2017, I sat on a bench in the yard of my children's school and I decided I was going to take my life. My life was full of chaos and I struggled to find the right help. 
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<div>This all changed when I attended a PTSD and mental health program, run by Veterans and First Responders. I was surrounded by people who knew the struggle, and the path to healing. I finally became better. The strength and support of others allowed me to see there was an answer other than suicide. 
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<div><strong>Out of this darkness came light</strong> - sometimes the best opportunities come to us through growth. I became so passionate about wanting to help others heal and wanted to make sure  those that were struggling had support  
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<div>So, I founded the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/crackedarmourPTSD/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CRACKED ARMOUR</a> in 2018, a line of clothing dedicated to raising awareness for PTSD, TBI, and mental health and supporting those who still struggle! 
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<div>All proceeds from the sales of CRACKED ARMOUR GEAR were dedicated to the development of the "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/returningwarriorsranch" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Returning Warriors Ranch</a> " in Bishopville, Nova Scotia, a PTSD  and mental health recovery program for all Canadian warriors. By creating an army of warriors who rep our gear, we send a message to others that they are not alone, and that healing can happen in a trusted space. 
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<div>We have made progress thanks to the continued generous support of fellow Canadians and organizations. <strong>We are almost there - </strong>we have the building and the land. 
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<div>Now, we want you to help develop and launch the Returning Warriors Ranch in 2024 which will offer FREE recovery programs for Canadians who struggle and are at risk of suicide. 
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<div><strong>Working together, we can save lives and make a difference.</strong>
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<div>Based on the overwhelming response of people looking for help I am reaching out to you and the community to support this initiative for the next 6 months.<strong> We need $250,000 to get the Returning Warriors Ranch up and running.</strong>
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<div><strong>The Breakdown:</strong> 
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<div>Mattresses are needed for the beds, a Labyrinth (Ancient Maze),  a firepit (we have the benches), a ropes course, a yoga mediation studio, installation of 2 washrooms and a kitchen (framing and concrete floor, plumbing, electrical), landscaping (topsoil, remove tree stumps, and drainage), stairs, driveway, and a multi-use area for tennis court/ball hockey and ice hockey in the winter and food and supplies.
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<div>There is such a big need for this program! It's based on an evidence-based, peer-to-peer recovery program that has<strong> saved thousands of people </strong>struggling with PTSD and mental health challenges. 
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<div><strong>Connection Saves Lives</strong>
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<div>When people get the help they need they can lift their family, their community, and their country. When people get the help and support they deserve, amazing things start to happen. 
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<div>With your support, we will save those at risk for suicide, help them to recover, integrate back into their community, eliminate feelings of isolation, reconnect with their loved ones, and find their "tribe."
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<div>Right now, more than 8 million Canadians experience mental illness per year. About 3 million have PTSD. There’s a mental health crisis facing military veterans, first responders, and others in Canada and the suicide epidemic amongst the warriors of our society is growing. 
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<div>We have a waitlist of people hoping for a spot in our program. <strong>Your gift will go directly to opening our Returning Warriors Ranch and will help those struggling. </strong>100% of the proceeds go directly to developing and opening the Ranch and to fund many warriors at risk of suicide.<strong> </strong>In full transparency – I do not pay myself as the owner of the Returning Warriors Ranch. 
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<div><strong>Working together, we can save lives and make a difference.</strong>
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<div>When we invest in proven programs, it doesn’t just benefit them—it benefits all of us. The program is not meant to cure people, but rather shift the mindset of how to cope moving forward, integrate back into the community, reconnect with family and friends, and put smiles back on faces. 
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<div>Programs aren't just for veterans and first responders. They are for anyone who struggles. It doesn't matter where your trauma or your struggles come from, only that it is real to you.
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<div>You can help open the Ranch in 2024 and fund free mental health recovery care, help reduce suicides, and support those who struggle and their families.
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<div>Thank you so very much for your gift and support. Together, we will truly save lives. 
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<div>In Appreciation, 
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<div>Mark Long
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<div>Former RCMP and Law Enforcement Officer
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<div>Founder of CRACKED ARMOUR &amp; the Returning Warriors Ranch
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<div>Stay tuned here for updates on the Returning Warriors Ranch and how you are making an impact on Canadians recovering in Canada. Developments on the Ranch supported by GoFundMe will be highlighted here: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/crackedarmourPTSD/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CRACKED ARMOUR</a> 
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<div>To learn more about the <a href="https://crackedarmour.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CRACKED ARMOUR</a>, and the Returning Warriors Ranch that seeks to empower Canadians through mental health recovery programs head to <a href="https://crackedarmour.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CRACKED ARMOUR</a>. 
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From Darkness to Light - a true story

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