Whitchurch-Stouffville
November 20, 2008 08:04 PM
Stouffville residents want Tim Hortons cards for all 2,500 armed forces personnel in Afghanistan
Jim Mason
Loretta Lavell hopes there’s a Tim Hortons drive-thru large enough for tanks in Afghanistan.
The long-time Stouffville resident is joking.
But, if she gets her way, all 2,500 Canadian Forces troops in the Middle East nation will get a cup of coffee for Christmas courtesy of Whitchurch-Stouffville residents.
With the help of others, including Councillor Phil Bannon, she is launching a campaign called Koffee In Kandahar today.
“Yes, Virginia, there is a Tim Hortons in Kandahar” is one of their catch phrases.
Committee members “were trying to figure out the best way to let our men and women serving overseas know that we support them and are thinking of them,” she said. “We came up with a number of ideas, but they had to be practical and achievable considering that it was already November.”
Then, it hit them like a double cappuccino.
“While sitting in the local Tim Hortons for the first meeting, we realized Tim Hortons is a Canadian cultural icon, a perfect fit for their project,” Mrs. Lavell said.
They received permission, after making calls to Tim Hortons head office and the Canadian Forces Personnel Support Services in Ottawa.
Tim Hortons opened an outlet on the military base in Kandahar in 2006.
Residents are being asked to donate coffee coupons.
“Whether you think we should or should not be in Afghanistan has nothing to do with letting the troops know we care,” she said.
The cause hits home.
Mrs. Lavell knows of several local families who have someone serving.
Her 24-year-old neighbour, who she has known since he was a little boy, is in Camp Petawawa.
Cliff and Glenda Dunkeld’s grandson is a paramedic who has already done a tour of duty.
To get involved or make a cash donation, contact Phil Bannon at
phil.bannon@townofws.comOther programs of support will also be offered, he said.
The coffee coupons can be:
• mailed to; Lisa Cameron, Deployment Resources Manager, Canadian Forces Personnel & Family Support Services, 4210 Labelle St., Ottawa, Ont. K1A OK2
• or dropped off at the municipal offices in Stouffville or the Stouffville or Ballantrae fire hall.
Whitchurch-Stouffville firefighters will be collecting loonies and toonies during the Stouffville Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade Dec. 6.
While doing research, committee members discovered other avenues where residents can help.
The Royal Canadian Legion has a Troop Morale Fund that you can donate to. The Military Family Resource Centre in Toronto can use help putting on a Christmas party for family members.