THUNDER BAY – Youth matter. Nathan Ogden from www.younggiants.ca and the Regional Youth Multicultural Council has shared a great idea.
Nathan advises, “When filling out your holiday cards this year, take one card and send it to this address:
Any Canadian Forces Member
Op Attention
Kabul
PO Box 5140 Stn Forces
Belleville ON K8N 5W6
Nathan states, “If we pass this on and everyone sends one card, think of how many cards these wonderful, special people, who have sacrificed so much would get?”
“Mail plays a crucial role in maintaining the morale of our personnel serving around the globe, particularly during the holiday season. This year, as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Forces Postal Service, we recognize the excellent relationship between Canada Post and the Department of National Defence in maintaining this essential link with home,” said Brigadier General John Mackay.
“On behalf of the Canadian Forces and the Department of National Defence, we offer our sincere appreciation to Canada Post in your continued support to our deployed Canadian Forces members and their loved ones.”
“Our employees take special pride in supporting our troops stationed overseas by helping to connect them to their families during the holiday season,” adds Deepak Chopra, CEO of Canada Post. “We are pleased to offer this service and wish our troops a safe holiday season.”
For the friends and families of Canadian Forces members serving overseas, Canada Post will accept regular parcels free of charge to designated Canadian Forces Bases overseas from October 17, 2011 until January 13, 2012. Lettermail weighing up to 500 grams to deployed troops can be sent free of charge until December 31, 2012.
Parcels and letters must be addressed to a specific soldier, and include rank and mission information. They must also be directed to the appropriate ship and/or Canadian Forces Base. Once delivered to the designated base, the Canadian Forces Postal Service will take charge of the items and ensure their delivery overseas. Senders can purchase additional options for their parcels, such as coverage for loss or damage and signature.
In order to ensure the proper customs declaration forms and addressing information are provided, parcels and letters should be deposited at any one of Canada Post’s 6,500 full-service retail outlets across the country. Items dropped in a street letter box are at risk of being returned to sender or considered undeliverable if they do not contain proper documentation or addressing information.
You can also participate in posting messages of support to Canadian Forces members by visiting Morale by Message Board at