For immediate release.
(CHARLOTTETOWN PE) November 13, 2015 – It’s never easy for a soldier to be deployed overseas, far away from loved ones and familiar surroundings, but it is especially difficult over the holidays. Executive Director of the PEI branch of the Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC), Donna Earl, encourages Islanders to consider sending a card, letter, or care package to a Canadian soldier serving overseas this Christmas. These packages can be sent for free, assuming they fit within the guidelines established by Canada Post Free Mail Initiative and the Canadian Armed Forces. For anyone planning to do so, packages can be dropped off at the PEI MFRC office on 88 Watts Ave by noon on November 17.
“For many soldiers overseas, there isn’t any support at home and there will be no mail delivered to them for Christmas. Sending a gift or letter to one of these brave men or women is a selfless act that will help to lift the spirits of these soldiers who are away from home during the holidays,” states Donna Earl.
To read a letter from a serving RCAF pilot who received a package from PEI, click here.
Islanders can also send letters to deployed troops free of charge (up to 500g) until December 31, 2015, at any Canada Post retail outlets. However, letters addressed to “Any Canadian Soldier” do not qualify for the free program, and would require postage. Islanders can drop off unaddressed letters to the PEI MFRC, and they will address the letter for you.
“For anyone wishing to support this cause who doesn’t know an individual serving overseas, they can contact our office and we will ensure a package is sent to an appropriate soldier,” advises Earl.
Packages must be under 44 lbs and cannot include any of the following items: alcohol, tobacco, weapons or knives (including replicas), explosives or ammunition, matches, flammable liquids or solids, compressed gas, propane cigarette lighters, corrosive fluids, obscene magazines or pictures, drugs, or perishable items.
Earl is urging Islanders to get their parcels or letters dropped off to the MFRC at 88 Watts Avenue in the West Royalty Industrial Park within the next few days to guarantee delivery by Christmas. This is because packages must be delivered to Gagetown and then Belleville before making their way overseas.
For more information, call Donna Earl at 902.892.8999 or visit this link for detailed mailing guidelines: http://www.forces.gc.ca/en/write-to-the-troops/mailing-instructions.page