CFPSA - ASPFC - December 10, 2004 OTTAWA, ON -- More than 1600 Canadian Forces personnel deployed overseas are about to be invaded with holiday packages from home. The Canadian Forces Personnel Support Agency (CFPSA) provides cheer, through Operation Santa Claus, to members serving in Africa, the Balkans, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Southwest Asia and the Arabian Gulf Region. Operation Santa Claus is a unique program designed to enhance the morale of deployed CF personnel during the holiday season. It is an annual program organized by CFPSA that provides corporate Canada an opportunity to demonstrate support of Canada's deployed servicemen and women over the holiday season. The large-scale project commences the collection of donations in April each year. Packaging and delivery preparation occur in late-September to ensure delivery and distribution in December. "The program ensures that all CF members who are working away from home over the holiday season receive a little holiday cheer," says Shirley Penney, CFPSA Amenities Coordinator. The parcels are filled with candies, chips, peanuts, writing paper, and greeting cards from Military Family Resource Centres and grade schools. Companies who have donated items to be delivered to Army, Air Force and Navy personnel include: Alcatel, Avery Dennison, Canadian Geographic, Coty Inc., E.D. Smith, Garretty Industries, Gillette, Hershey's, INS News Services, Sunstar Butler, Kruger Inc., Loblaws, Molson's, Montreal Allouettes, Muscle Magazine, Ottawa Senators, Petro-Canada, Proctor & Gamble, Pfizer Co., Quebecor World, Raptors, Royal Canadian Legion, Salvation Army, Schick, Sobey's West, Sony, The Personal Insurance Co., Tim Horton's, Video Group Canada, Walmar Atlantic, Wal-Mart Canada and Wrigley Gum. CANEX and SISIP Financial Services also contribute to the holiday gift packages. Op Athena Welfare Manager, Alex Motuzas, says CF members will "most likely receive their gift boxes all on Christmas Day". The CFPSA is responsible for enhancing the operational effectiveness of CF members through the delivery of morale and welfare programs. Donations for the 2005 holiday season may be made through the CFPSA by visiting www.cfpsa.com . For a current list of Canadian Forces Deployed Operations please visit: http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/operations/current_ops_e.asp . To send a holiday message to the troops please visit http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/community/messageboard/index_e.asp -30- Contact: Stephanie Webster Media Relations Coordinator CFPSA (613) 996-6204 webster.stephanie@cfpsa.com
