Christmas in Afghanistan – Let the Troops know we Care – by Richard Komorowski – December 2, 2009

Christmas in Afghanistan – Let the Troops know we Care

Joy Clement is a military mom. She knows what it is like to have sons serving in Afghanistan, and they’ve both made sure she knows what it’s like to be over there. Thankfully, both Jeffrey of the SD&G Highlanders, and Michel, of the Royal 22^nd Regiment (but now stationed in Petawawa) are safe in Canada this Christmas, but many Canadian troops are still there, and missing home and family.

This Christmas marks the second time she has organised Cornwall’s “Letters to the Troops” Campaign. Last year, when Jeffrey was on his second tour in Afghanistan, he would tell his mother: “Write me, Mom. It’s nice to hear news from home.” Michel would say: “OK, Mom, can you send me…?” So she wrote back, asking him to let her know what everyone wants.

Last year, the response was excellent. This year, the volume has doubled. Most people come in and say that they learned about the idea from their friends, and they’re just happy to help provide a little support for our troops so far away.

This weekend, Joy Clement will be working overtime. Packing everything up so that it survives the long, rough trip to Afghanistan will take at least ten to twelve hours, but it’s a labour of love. According to son Michel, Canadians on the front lines call her “Mom”.

Christmas cards, letters and small (non-breakable) gifts can be dropped off at the Pop Shoppe, corner of Pitt and Emma, and the deadline has been extended to this Friday, December 4.

Please support our troops –  let them know that they’re not forgotten.

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