Lending a helping hand during the holidays With the holiday season just around the corner, the team is gearing up with the intention of reaching every Base, Wing and Unit in the country. The holidays can be a financially challenging time for many and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) community is no exception. This year in particular may also be exceptionally difficult for some families due to COVID-19. Since 2015, through the support of public donations, Support Our Troops has worked with the Royal Canadian Chaplain Service across the country to provide holiday hampers to military members and families in need. Having grown substantially over the past five years, the program now reaches 96.5% of Bases/Wings/Units nationally. Just last year over $140,000 in gift cards was distributed to 806 members and families in nine provinces. “So many of the members we assisted expressed appreciation for the financial assistance, especially at a time of year when life can be overwhelming and stressful. The Holiday Food Hamper Program helped make the holiday season more joyful for these members and their families.” Lt (N) / ltv Rylan Montgomery, OPI for Holiday Food Hamper Program at CFB Gagetown in 2019 With the holiday season around the corner, Support Our Troops is gearing up for another the Holiday Food Hamper Program. Thanks to our generous donors, we can continue to offer this program to those that need it most. “From myself, my wife and our son, we would like to extend our most sincerest thanks for the holiday gift cards you so kindly provided. They made our holidays much better and brought smiles to our home!” Anonymous Canadian Armed Forces member