Canada Post Will Continue Program of Free Delivery to Deployed Troops

I'd like to thank Canada Post and the Canadian Forces for conjunctively bringing families and friends closer to their families and friends closer through the holiday season through this service. I know there are many families through Canada who have shown deep appreciation for this service. All the best to you for a warm holiday.
To families and friends: a reminder - when sending a letter, to benefit from this free service, remember to take it to a postal office to mail rather than depositing it in a mailbox. The staff need to stamp the envelope. Some families who have deposited their cherished letters in the mailbox, have had them returned, which is unfortunate.
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Canada Post will continue program of free delivery to deployed troops

Oct. 26, 2009
OTTAWA (October 26, 2009)—Canada Post announced today it will again provide free delivery of letters and parcels from family and friends to Canadian troops deployed in Afghanistan and elsewhere overseas. This will be the fourth year that Canada Post has offered this service. Free parcel service for family and friends of deployed Canadian troops will be provided from October 26, 2009 to January 15, 2010.
Last year Canada Post forwarded more than 21,000 parcels to our Canadian troops serving in Afghanistan and elsewhere overseas, an increase of 60 per cent over the previous year. Family and friends of deployed troops will also be able to continue sending letters free throughout 2010. At the end of this period, Canada Post and the Department of National Defence will jointly evaluate the program.
"We are pleased to be able to show our continued support for our troops serving overseas and their families," said Moya Greene, president and chief executive officer of Canada Post.
“This program allows Canadians at home to extend their best wishes to loved ones far away in the service of Canada, often in dangerous places,” said the Honourable Rob Merrifield, Minister of State (Transport). “It is an excellent initiative and one I very much support.”
With capacity limitations on military aircraft carrying supplies and munitions to deployed forces, this offer is restricted to family and friends of the deployed service men and women serving overseas in war zones. That includes members of the Canadian Forces serving in Afghanistan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Sinai and Jerusalem. Troops serving on any of the deployed Her Majesty's Canadian Ships are also included in the offer.
To ensure the proper customs declaration form and addressing information, the letters and parcels will need to be deposited at one of Canada Post's more than 6,600 full-service retail outlets across the country (letters and packages dropped in regular street letter boxes will not qualify). They will then be forwarded to Canadian Forces Bases in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Victoria, British Columbia and Belleville, Ontario. Once delivered to the military bases, the Department of National Defence will take charge of the letters and parcels and ensure their delivery overseas. All mail must be addressed to a specific soldier, including rank and mission information.

Care Package Ideas

Care Packages... Parcels Sent With Love

I have had many people requesting ideas for care packages. Yes.. this list has been truly in the making. My son and his section has assisted in compiling this list. As well, I have added a few things that I've sent along with some ideas from fellow military families.
The main thing, enjoy creating and packing.
One of the first things I do is line the inside of the parcel with a garbage bag. It will protect the box in case of leakage from your parcel or someone else's. (Thanks for the tip P.C. )

o.k... here goes:

• Toothpaste (Colgate Total Whitening preferred)
• Foot Powder (Gold Bond Extra Strength)
• Shampoo
• Body wash (a masculine scent)
• Deodorant (NOT ANTIPERSPIRANT!) they need to perspire.
• Toothbrushes (cheap spin brushes)
• Toothbrush caps (to stop the toothbrush head from getting dirty)
• Qtips (for hygiene and cleaning guns)
• Insoles (A BIG deal. They come in a one size fits all- cuttable size)
• Stereo Earbuds (these are always in demand and keep getting destroyed)
• Pens! (Blue, Red - if they can't use them they will donate them to those who can!)
• Plastic (clear) rulers - short ones
• Dental flossers
• Carbiners - they hold gear in place and you can never have enough. Pref. Tan, green, black but they can paint them
• Under Armour Socks - The new cadillac in socks. Will keep moisture out.
• Anti fungal foot spray - Important- stops athletes foot and nails from turning yellow. Always spray in their boots before sleep.
• Baby wipes/ Wet Ones- Anti- bacterial - for all your showering needs
• Magazines - Auto Trend, Auto mags, Hockey mags, sports mags, or of their special interest
• PSP games - They are for the Playstation Portable - guys spend hours playing them during downtime
• Sudoku - everyone's doing it
• Crosswords
• Brainteasers
• flipflops for the shower
  
  Use a theme for your care packages.

Either follow seasonal themes or get creative with entertaining themes like “cocktail party”, “romance”, “motorcycles”, etc. With this rotation, I have created "Theme Packages" Examples below:

• "Tea for 8" - Different types of teas (eg. gun powder tea, cream pear, maple cream, chocolate tea), self sealing teabags, a metal teapot, tea buiscuits, honey, sugar cubes, serviettes and teaspoons. "lift those pinky fingers!"


• "Movies at the FOB" - I created admit tickets for the section, popcorn, popcorn containers, a couple of comedies, Junior Mints and M&M's


• "A Taste of Maple.. A Taste of Canada" - Maple syrup, maple candies, maple sugar, maple coffee, maple tea, maple cookies.. and a Maple Leaf that I had pressed from home.


• "Rub a Dub Dub - Time for a Scrub" - toothbrushes, toothpaste, deoderant, foot powder, wet ones, shampoo/body wash (a container that's for both), soaps, insoles, rubber duck


• Keepin' it Hot.. Keepin' it Warm (for the cold season)- hot chocolate (Tim Hortons), marshmallows, cappacino mix (Tim Hortons), Mitt warmers, pepper jelly, jalepeno spice mix, hot sauce, Maxim Magazines (a HUGE thing for a mom to reach up and buy)


• Munchies Madness - chips, nuts, homemade trailmix (peanuts, almonds, dried cranberries, raisins, m&m's), Smartfood (popcorn), hard candies, etc.


• Deck the FOB with boughs of holly (Christmas in a box) - small Christmas tree, solar Christmas lights, unbreakable balls, tinsel, etc
  
  Other things I've sent:
  
• Photo ornament (a big ornament that allows you to download up to 70 pictures for a slideshow) I uploaded pictures of family and friends and some pics that would make anyone smile. There is a keychain available on the market as well.


• Small Photo album - with each letter I send a couple of pictures of the weather, family, the dog, gas prices, etc. to which he puts into the album


• A soft, luxurious pillowcase that a friend helped me embroider. I hand embroidered the other one - a heart :) (perhaps a pillowcase from home - they like the smell of home)
• A self inflating mattress - for back at the base -a little reprieve from the ground.


• Include light reading suited to their tastes. I've sent a couple of books.
  
• Comics or jokes that he can share with others


• A copy of the local newspaper (he can keep up with the news and prices of things)


• A calendar


• solar light with a yellow ribbon tied onto it


• DVD - I have recorded a bundle of favourite tv comedy shows or shows they are missing


• Beef Jerkey


• Pepperoni Sticks


• Kraft Dinner (don't send the ketchup - it explodes)


• Pringles (don't send the small snack size - the cans pop open)


• non aerosole shaving gel (shaving cream)


• pencils and sharpeners


• waterproof jotbook (book with waterproof pages for writing notes on - available at CANEX)


• movie clips of friends and family


• Tim Hortons coupons for soldiers in KAF


• Candies and decorations colaborating with the holiday. eg. Hallowe'en - treats, rubber spiders, snakes, masks, plastic pumpkins, etc.


• Liquids should not be sent if it can be avoided, but if they must be sent, be sure to at least double bag them. Zip-lock type bags are great for this and can be re-used at the other end.


• Old bedsheets (that do not need to come home after the tour) can make sleep a little easier. Pack them with acouple of dryer sheets in between thelayers to give them a fresh scent.


• Children’s drawings are always well received and can be mailed in parcels or in letters


• Chapstick (lip balm)


• Gum (Trident White or Excel White)
• Cookies

Of course - with most of the items, he will share with the other soldiers and the rest he will leave behind for the incoming troops.

NOTE: If you're a soldier or a family member or friend.. If there's anything you would like to add.. please... let me know.. let US know. We all benefit from ideas.

Doesn't this picture tear your heart out?

The other day, I went to my neighbourhood Canada Post Outlet to send a care package off to my son (and his section) With effort, I got the 1st parcel onto the counter and advised them I had one more in the car. When I returned with the second one, my fav. Canada Post manager awaited my return with a big smile. He said to me... "it's starting again soon! Canada Post will be offering free postage to families of soldiers in a few days... Can it wait?"
I looked at him. I looked at the parcels adorned with pumpkin stickers and black cats and said, "No D., these ones have to go now... but you know me.. I'll be back." He said, "And I know it."
I paid for my parcels, patted each with a kiss.. then I turned to go shopping.

Effective October 20th, 2008, Canada Post will start providing free delivery of letters and parcels from family and friends to Canadian troops deployed overseas until the start of 2009.This free delivery offer extends to family and friends of the deployed troops serving overseas. They have to be posted to certain addresses only. (check with your local post office for qualification)

We strongly support our women and men in uniform, and we welcome this very positive initiative to help our troops overseas remain connected with their loved ones in Canada. I am thrilled that the Canada Post has decided to undertake this initiative, and I hope that many Canadian families will take advantage of this opportunity.

To ensure the proper postage, customs declaration and addressing information are used, the letters and parcels need to be sent from one of Canada Post's more than 6,600 full service retail outlets across the country - letters dropped in regular street letter boxes will not qualify for free delivery. They will then be forwarded to Canadian Forces Bases. Once delivered to the military bases, the Department of National Defense will take charge of the parcels and letters and ensure their delivery overseas. All mail must be addressed to a specific soldier, including rank and mission information.

A BIG HUA for Canada Post!!

Kitchener Woman Sends Care Packages to Troops

Hearts and Packages Sent to Our Troops -
I had noticed that a friend, Lt (N) Terri-Leigh Saunders had been pretty busy lately. She had been busy preparing care packages for the troops! I have posted some of her pictures through this entry.

Photo credits: Terri-Leigh (thank you for sharing them with us- you're a true inspiration to all)

Care (comfort) Packages are ready to go!

"I had a really great time putting them together!" said Terri-Leigh. She had already been preparing a care package for her friend - and continued packing.. for many others.

What actually sparked it was an officer that she served with out west, Lt (N) Jean Cyr. Her husband is also a Lt (N) and is currently serving in Afghanistan. He was noticing that a lot of his troops weren't receiving anything! No cards, no care packages, nothing! He got in touch with other CO's in the area and was hearing the same thing.

In turn, they compiled a last of names for troops who had not received a single piece of mail or anything since arriving in Afghanistan. All together there was about 250 names!

Cyr got in touch with other officers she knew. The challenge was on - get cadets involved with supporting our troops. Since the cadet unit Terri-Leigh works with is rather small, doing up many care packages was challenging. Every cadet signed Christmas Cards for everyone on the list!
From there, she approached the Naval Association in Waterloo for additional support for care packages. With donations from the Naval Association and Ladies Auxiliary, as well as personal donations from members they ended up with about $750.00!

Terri-Leigh then used that money to purchase items to go in all the care packages, as well as the stockings and the t-shirts (They were $25.00 each with $5.00 from each shirt going to the Juno Beach Centre in memory of fallen comrades)

They purchased many items in bulk quantities (cost effective) and some things were donated.


Each package in the end ended up being worth about $85.00.

"Like I said, it was really fun putting the packages together. Each one also got a card, and a letter. I was already doing up a package for my friend CFS Alert so this was just added fun! After the holidays we're going to see how many are left that didn't receive packages, or if we can send additional ones." said Terri-Leigh.
.

On behalf of military families, a big HUA and THANK YOU goes out to Lt. (N) Terri-Leigh Saunders, Lt (N) Jean Cyr, her husband, the CO's overseas, the Waterloo Naval Association, Ladies' Auxilliary and Cadets!

Merry Christmas!

.

***** Note: If you have any care package pictures or stories, send them to me at militarymomathome@hotmail.com and I'll publish your story.*****

Christmas Care Package Ideas

Is there a soldier on your Christmas list? Here are just a few holiday care package ideas for your soldier. Captured here is the spirit of the season through items that relate to the sights, sounds, smells, and the tastes of the holidays. Add your own touches for a sure fire way to make a soldier's spirit bright!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas…

• Santa hat
• Stuffed reindeer
• Christmas movie
• Kid's craft — paper snowflakes
• Fake snow
• Fake tree
• Lights
• Handmade ornaments
• String popcorn and cranberries
• Tiny wrapped packages (use gum, mints, or small items to go under the tree)
• Advent calendar
• Picture book (include pictures from past holiday gatherings)
• Small wrapped items to the theme of the "Twelve Days of Christmas"
• A box of Christmas Cards stamped and addressed to the soldier's family
• Avon's keychain slideshow
• Recordable ornament
• reindeer antlers (the fabric kind of course)

Just hear those sleigh bells ring-a-ling….

• CD of you (and your children) singing Christmas carols
• CD of Christmas music
• Jingle bells

Jack Frost nipping at your nose…

• Holiday scented candle (pine, cinnamon, baking)
• Holiday scented oil
• Pine cones (scented)

Now bring us some figgy pudding…

• Fresh baked cookies (packaged just right)
• SPAM (Christmas "ham")
• Vienna Sausages
• Sausage and cheese (eg Hickory Farms)
• Holiday RITZ crackers
• Mixed nuts (in shell) with a nut cracker
• Candy canes
• Christmas m&m's
• Advent calendar
• Holiday coffee & creamer
• Hot cocoa or cider
• Hot chocolate mixed with candy canes

If you can think of more to add, let us know in the comments section... Happy Shopping!

Appliance Parts Pros Send Comfort Packages

While away, I received an email from Dave. (thank you for your support letting us know about all the efforts Appliance Parts Pros are doing for US troops serving overseas! )

Appliance Parts Pros, has set up to send care packages to the men and women overseas. The contest is called Comforts of Home and in addition to the 80 care packages they've already sent, they will deliver items like calling cards and writing materials to the Troops so they can stay in touch with loved ones this upcoming holiday season.
To help send additional items and packages, Appliance Parts Pros is asking for people to either write about their holiday cooking horror stories, or to post messages of support to the Troops on their blogs. Thank you Appliance Parts Pro for supporting the troops!

AppliancePartsPros.com Sends 80 'Comforts of Home' Packages to US Troops Overseas Packages have been sent to soldiers in both Iraq and Afghanistan in time for the holiday


US soldiers serving in theater will soon receive 80 care packages that contain items they have requested online in various forums and message boards. The packages contain a 300 minute calling card and writing materials for the soldiers to connect with their loved ones back home this holiday season, as well as magazines, protein rich snacks, and personal hygiene materials such as hand sanitizers and lip balm. The packages also include a card with well wishes from the staff at AppliancePartsPros.com in California.


"Our troops are performing a tremendous service for our country and we wanted to help them feel comfortable while they are away from home this holiday season," said Roman Kagan, CEO of Appliance Parts Pros. "I work with a former Marine and recognize the hardships that our soldiers face on a daily basis. After seeing requests for these types of items on message boards and forums we decided to help out."The "Comforts of Home" packages have been sent to the men and women of Alpha Co. 3/69 AR and 2ND PLT, A BTRY 1-9 FA in Iraq and 1-508th PIR 82nd ABN DIV in Afghanistan.The 80 packages have a retail value of $60 each, not including shipping.


"Serving overseas for long periods of time can be tough on both the soldier and their family back home. We wanted to make sure the soldiers can connect with their loved ones over the holidays and we hope including the 300 minute Military Exchange Prepaid Calling Card in the package helps them do that," stated Kagan.


http://AppliancePartsPros.com/

Free mail to Deployed Canadian Troops

MANY MANY thanks and appreciation goes out to Canada Post again this year. They are doing it again for military families! Free shipping to Canadian troops serving in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Sinai and Jerusalem and Afghanistan from October 27th to January 11th!

Here is the memo from their site. I might suggest printing it off and taking it with you to your local outlet when shipping out those care packages. You can tell... Christmas is in the air. Getttttt.... packing! :)





Canada Post Press Release

October 23, 2007
Free mail to deployed troops starts Friday
Ottawa - As of October 26th, Canada Post will begin providing free delivery of letters and parcels from family and friends to Canadian troops deployed in Afghanistan and elsewhere overseas. While the free parcel service will be for the holiday season only (ending January 11th, 2008), letters will continue to be sent postage-free throughout 2008.
The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and Minister responsible for Canada Post, said he hopes the family and friends of Canadian soldiers serving in Afghanistan and elsewhere overseas take advantage of this special initiative by sending words of encouragement and support. "Canadian men and women serving our country overseas will find joy, love and support in every delivery they receive, while friends and family members will be able to enjoy the benefit of free delivery."
“At Canada Post we want our troops to know how much we appreciate their dedication to our country” said Moya Greene, president and Chief Executive Officer of Canada Post. “Providing free delivery of letters and parcels from their family and friends reinforces our belief in each and every one of those troop members. For family and friends back in Canada, the opportunity to send the many letters and parcels free of charge by Canada Post, is a small blessing when loved ones are so far away from home” she added.
With capacity limitations on military aircraft carrying supplies and munitions to deployed forces, this offer is restricted to family and friends of the deployed service men and women serving overseas in war zones. This includes members of the Canadian Forces serving in Afghanistan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Sinai and Jerusalem. Canadian troops serving on any of the deployed Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships are also included in the offer.
To ensure the proper custom declaration form and addressing information are used, the letters and parcels must be deposited at one of Canada Post’s more than 6,600 full service retail outlets across the country. Letters and packages dropped in regular street letter boxes will be returned to sender as they will not qualify. Once an item has been accepted, it will be forwarded to Canadian Forces bases in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Victoria, British Columbia and Belleville, Ontario. Once delivered to the military bases, the Department of National Defence will take charge of the letters and parcels and ensure their delivery overseas.

All mail must be addressed to a specific soldier, including rank and mission information.

Monday June 11th

WOW! I noticed the weather report from Afghanistan for 4:39 pm (Afghan time). Our troops are withstanding temperatures of

43 degrees celsius!!

Reminder: to send Wet Ones, disposable wet cloths, Pampers wipes, etc in your care packages! These help to a) refresh them out in the battlefields and b) provide them with comfort and sanitation until they return to base for a long anticipated shower.

Care Packages

CARE PACKAGES

Items to send, what NOT to send and "getting creative"

HEY! Do you have any ideas, item requests, suggestions, etc.?

If so, please list them in the comment section below.

I will add them to the post.

----------------------

Thank You Rockway Staff and Patients!

m&m’s military moms Want to Thank YOU!

On behalf of Military Moms and our sons and daughters serving in Afghanistan, I would like to extend a warm thank you to the staff and patients of Rockway Chiropractic and Rockway Massage for all the donations of M&M’s in support of the troops. It has been so overwhelming! It’s truly heartwarming walking into the clinic and seeing the compilation of M&M’s from people I have never met- you are truly an amazing group of people!

What a Canadian comfort receiving M&M's as well as a true showing that people back here care and have not forgotten.

When your heart listens,

giving to soldiers far away.

Their spirit glistens

because you have lit up their day!

Thank you Rockway for your support and

Sincerely, Military Mom

Rockway Chiropractic and Massage Clinic

589 Charles St E. Kitchener, ON N2G 2R4
(corner of Charles and Ottawa)

519-744-4745

" Soldiers in Afghanistan.. here we come!"