MARPAC Health and Wellness Expo returns

Nancy Prevost-Maurice, an Education Specialist with Royal Roads University, studies a copy of the institution’s View Book 2022-23.

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer — More than 70 community organizations and businesses plotted a course for fun and good health at the MARPAC Health and Wellness Expo on March 2.   

The Expo made its return to the Naden Athletic Centre after a three-year absence due to the health and safety precautions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. The excitement was visible with attendees stretching down to Ontario Drive in hopes of being one of the first 400 visitors to receive free food vouchers and a chance to win large door prizes.

Over 1,000 military and DND civilian employees attended this year’s event. It featured interactive display booths by local non-profits and businesses representing health and wellness, recreation, sports, fitness, outdoor activities, hobbies, crafts, Base clubs and more. 

A popular feature of the Expo were door prizes offered up by vendors including tools, speakers, massages, gift cards and gift baskets, coffee makers, and more! Free food samples were also made available to patrons with giveaways and prizes available at the booths, too.

Food trucks, Greek on the Street and Kattia’s Kitchen satiated patron appetites and quenched their thirst with complimentary beverages.

Serious Coffee was also on-site offering free coffee and tea to all attending.

Sunshine Coast Health Centre and Royal Roads University were the title sponsors of this year’s event. WestJet airlines also provided the Defence community with a prize draw for a free trip to any of its destinations in Canada.

Now that the Health and Wellness Expo is complete, the Lookout and PSP Special Events teams are ramping up for the Ship-to-Shore Industrial Tradeshow scheduled for Aug. 1.

Sawyer Brock and Brennan Wilson, Milwaukee Tools Account Managers, get ready for a duel with their high torque impact wrenches. Photos by Peter Mallett, Lookout.