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Operation Santa Claus delivers gifts to deployed troops

December 20, 2006

OTTAWA, ON - The more than 3,000 Canadian Forces (CF) personnel deployed in Afghanistan, Africa, the Balkans, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Southwest Asia and the Arabian Gulf Region - and as those serving on HMCS Ottawa - will be receiving holiday packages from home at Christmas time.

Each year, the CF Personnel Support Agency (CFPSA) coordinates Operation Santa Claus: a program designed to enhance the morale of deployed troops during the holiday season by collecting donations from businesses to prepare thousands of gift packages for deployed troops.

"The program ensures that all Canadian troops working away from home will receive a little holiday cheer," says Shirley Penny, CFPSA Amenities Coordinator. "Each deployed CF member receives an equal gift package as donations are sought in specific quantities - enough for all."

This annual program also provides corporate Canada with the perfect opportunity to demonstrate its support to Canada's deployed servicemen and women over the holiday season.

"By working through Op Santa Claus, companies can be certain that their support will actually reach our troops serving overseas," says Jim Peverley, CFPSA Director Deployment Support. "There are very strict guidelines on what can be shipped to deployed troops. Those who work with CFPSA can ensure that their donations meet CF criteria with regard to health, security, timing and shipping."

Operation Santa Claus began in 1991, when a group of BFC Montreal spouses organized the sending of Christmas packages to their spouses serving on Peacekeeping duties.

From 1993 to 1997 it was an informal volunteer initiative undertaken by various Land Forces (LF) Areas. The volunteer nature of the operation restricted the full use of public resources to support the operation and so the program was handed over to the CFPSA for 1998.

Currently, this large-scale project reaches more than 3,000 troops all over the world. The collection of donations commences in April each year. Packaging and delivery preparation occur in late-September to ensure delivery and distribution in December.

Companies interested in donating to CF morale and welfare programs are advised to visit www.cfpsa.com/supportourtroops to learn about programs and criteria.

Operation Santa Claus is just one of many ways that Canadians can participate in CFPSA's "Support Our Troops" campaign. All details on supporting our troops can be found at www.cfpsa.com/supportourtroops, including purchasing "Support Our Troops" merchandise, writing to the troops, sponsorship and donations.

The CFPSA is responsible for enhancing the operational effectiveness of CF members through the delivery of morale and welfare programs.

For a current list of CF Deployed Operations please visit: http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/operations/current_ops_e.asp

Contact: Brenna Morell, Media Relations Coordinator, CFPSA,
(613) 996-6204 morell.brenna@cfpsa.com