Hallmark helps Canadian military families connect with deployed loved ones this holiday season

TORONTO, Dec. 19, 2012 /CNW/ - Although nothing can replace being home for the holidays, Hallmark Canada is helping to connect Canadian troops with their loved ones back home. Teaming up with the Canadian Forces Personnel and Family Support Services, Hallmark Canada is proud to support the annual Operation Night Before Christmas initiative.

Operation Night Before Christmas provides gifts to soldiers posted far from home during the holiday season.  To support the initiative, Hallmark has donated over 500 recordable storybooks. These books will be delivered to the families of Forces members, bearing a special message from their loved ones serving abroad.

Recordable Storybooks are unique in that they contain digital audio recorders that let parents and loved ones record a personal message. Plus, they can record their own voice reading the story in the book. As children turn the pages, they hear Mom or Dad's voice reading them the story.  Canadians Forces personnel posted at CFS Alert and aboard HMCS Regina received the books in late November. Once recorded, FedEx then delivered the books to each family's doorstep to enjoy over the holiday season.

"This is our second year supporting Operation Night Before Christmas and we are very proud to be involved," said Patrick Carr, President, Hallmark Canada. "We understand that being far away from family during the holidays is extremely difficult, and we hope that in this small way we might help military families feel just a bit closer together at this special time of year."

"We're fortunate to have partners like Hallmark and FedEx to help bring this initiative to life," said Commodore Mark Watson, Director General Personnel and Family Support Services. "Every little bit helps over the holidays and the Canadian Forces members and their families are grateful for all the support."

For more information, visit www.hallmark.ca.

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 195 Gold Crown stores as well as select grocery stores, drug stores, mass-merchandisers and discount stores.  For more information, visit www.hallmark.ca.

SOURCE: Hallmark Canada