NR - 10.130 - October 27, 2010
OTTAWA - As the holiday season approaches, many Canadians will be thinking of the troops deployed overseas. The Department of National Defence would like to remind the public that while the Canadian Forces (CF) appreciates the public support it receives, getting gifts and packages to deployed CF members overseas is difficult.
The flights that re-supply CF personnel in overseas locations, such as Afghanistan, are filled with priority items such as combat supplies, vehicle parts, equipment, and mail from families. There is limited space for any items that are not critical to the mission, including donations from the public. As a result, the CF regretfully cannot accept any care packages or gifts from the public.
However, the CF has implemented a few tools that allow Canadians to express their support and to send their best wishes during the Holiday Season. One easy way for Canadians to show their support is through e-mail messages on the Canadian Forces website (www.forces.gc.ca), using the "Write to the troops" message board. Also, postcards and letters without enclosures which are addressed to "Any CF member" will be accepted, although similarly addressed care packages will not.
Special measures have also been taken to ensure all deployed CF members receive a Christmas gift package through Operation Santa Claus every holiday season. These care packages are made possible through the generous donations of companies from across Canada. In addition, Canada Post will be providing a free regular-parcel service from October 18 to January 7, 2011, for family and friends of deployed military personnel. The "Write to the troops" website has mailing guidelines to assist families and friends in preparing their letters and parcels for delivery to CF personnel overseas.
There are many other ways to show support to CF personnel and their families. To learn more, please visit our website at www.supportingourtroops.ca.
We thank you for your understanding and great generosity toward CF members and their families.
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For more information: Lieutenant (N) Greg Menzies
Personnel and Family Support Services Public Affairs Officer
Tel: (613) 996-4620
E-mail: greg.menziez@forces.gc.ca
