A Big HUA for Hamilton!
Hamilton residents have ensured that every Canadian soldier serving in Afghanistan will be able to enjoy a coffee or doughnut courtesy of the community, Hamilton Mountain MP Chris Charlton announced last week.Ms. Charlton wrapped up her successful "Timmys For Our Troops" campaign with members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 163.
"The response this campaign has received tells you a lot about the generosity of Hamiltonians and their support for our troops" said Ms. Charlton. "It is truly moving to see people from all walks of life getting together to show their appreciation to Canadians serving our country in Afghanistan."
Ms. Charlton and Legion Branch 163 President Murray Brown conducted the final tally.
The total proceeds came to $4527 in Tim Hortons gift certificates - far surpassing the campaign's original goal of one certificate for all Kandahar-based troops.
The certificates will be flown to the Kandahar Airfield, which has its own Tim Hortons outlet, and distributed amongst members of the Canadian Forces.
"As Hamilton is the birthplace of Tim Hortons, the certificate campaign seemed like a very fitting way of expressing our gratitude," said Ms. Charlton.
The Mountain MP had been searching for ways to send appreciate gifts to troops stationed in Afghanistan, where transportation and distribution of heavy care packages can be difficult, and soldiers have limited space for personal items.
"When times are tough, small gestures such as this remind the men and women serving in Afghanistan that they have our support and are in our thoughts," said Ms. Charlton. "At the end of the day, for our community to do that for every single soldier in Afghanistan, is really something special."
"Great work Hamilton!"
I know other cities have had similar drives.. I want to hear from you.. what has your city, community, school, group do for our guys? Send me a note, if you can include a picture, I'll post it :) Keep up the great support ~ I know they appreciate it.. and it's a piece of home!
About KAF'S Tim Hortons: ________________________________________________________
The store will serve hot and cold beverages as well as baked goods to the approximately 2,200 CF members and 5,000 personnel from other countries at KAF. Personnel will pay prices comparable to those in Canada and profits made within this project will be reinvested in morale and welfare programs for Canadian Forces members.
The menu at the 30 foot Tim Hortons trailer at KAF includes:
- Hot beverages: coffee, tea, flavoured cappuccino and hot chocolate- Cold beverages: Iced Cappuccino, water, juice, pop- Baked goods: donuts, muffins, cookies, croissants and danishes- Bagels and cream cheese
Mr. Anthony described how the idea of a Tim Hortons in KAF came about. “Several months ago, our President & CEO, Paul House received a call from [Canadian Chief of Defence Staff] General Rick Hillier on behalf of the troops stationed in Kandahar. They had told the General that the one thing they would really like on the base is a Tim Hortons.”
“The CFPSA saw this as another opportunity to boost morale and welfare of the troops serving in Kandahar,” added MGen Langton. “We have worked closely with Tim Hortons and the Canadian Forces to bring this operation to fruition. This opening in Kandahar is a significant achievement and a true partnership among our three organizations.”
Since August 2000, the CFPSA has been providing civilian staff to manage programs and services to boost morale of the CF. From the moment the CF mission in Kabul, Afghanistan, began in July 2003, CFPSA has deployed approximately 50 civilian personnel per six-month rotation.
No comments:
Post a Comment