Hallmark Canada Encourages Canadians to Write to the Troops

Hallmark Canada is introducing a line of six Canadian Heroes cards for members of Canada's armed forces. To encourage Canadians to write to the troops, even if they don't know someone stationed overseas, the cards will be free between Nov. 9th and 11th at all Hallmark Gold Crown stores across the country.

"Canadians are concerned about people protecting our freedom and serving in the Canadian Forces," says Patrick Carr, vice-president of marketing for Hallmark Canada. "The war in Afghanistan is in the news and on everyone's minds. Canadians want to let people in the Forces know that their efforts are appreciated, that their sacrifices are noticed and that we are all grateful."

The messages and designs of the new cards reflect thanks, pride, missing you and congratulations. One card depicts two empty rocking chairs on a porch with the words "Saving our country has taken you far away." The inside of the card says "but your place at home is always filled with pride and love everyday until you come home again." There are six English designs and two French designs.

"Few things mean more to our men and women overseas than hearing from their fellow Canadians. The knowledge that their contribution is appreciated and is making a difference is a primary motivating factor," says Lieutenant Colonel (ret) James Peverley, Director Deployment Support, Canadian Forces Personnel and Family Support Services.

To write to the troops, Canadian should go to:

http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/commun/message/addresses-2-eng.asp

The web-site includes a list of addresses, depending on where the card is sent. For example, if writing to Afghanistan, the address should be:

Any Canadian Forces Member
Op Athena
PO Box 5058 Stn Forces
Belleville, ON K8N 5W6

There are also addresses for Sarajevo, Congo, Golan Heights, Haiti and more.

About Hallmark Canada

Hallmark Cards, Inc. is the world's largest manufacturer of greeting cards and other personal expression products. Hallmark was founded by Joyce C. Hall in 1910 and currently employs more than 740 artists, designers, stylists, photographers, writers and editors, who develop nearly 20,000 products each year. Hallmark Canada is the industry leader whose products are sold through its 240 Gold Crown stores as well as select grocery stores, drug stores, mass-merchandisers and discount stores. In Canada, Hallmark's headquarters are in Toronto, Ontario.

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