The union that represents Winnipeg paramedics is launching the Share a Cup with a Brave Canuck Challenge to benefit Canadian Forces troops stationed in Afghanistan. MGEU Local 911 is urging the public to purchase a Tim Hortons gift card, which will be sent to troops overseas to use at their Timmies location at the Kandahar Base.
“The men and women of our armed services do a tremendous job under the most difficult of circumstances in providing security for the Afghan people half-way around the world,” said MGEU Local 911 President Chris Broughton. “We are asking Winnipeggers to share the spirit of the holidays with our soldiers who serve so well on our behalf.”
The Challenge first started last year with Toronto EMS, and has now spread across the country. The Winnipeg portion of the Challenge closes on December 14 so cards can get to Toronto for the first shipment to Afghanistan in time for the holidays. There are currently 2,900 Canadian Forces personnel serving in Afghanistan. The goal of Toronto’s organizing committee is to raise approximately 12,000 cards.
Any interested Winnipeggers can participate. Here’s how:
- Go to any Tim Hortons outlet and purchase the quantity of Tim Cards you wish to send. Recommended denominations for each Tim Card is $10.00.
- Please ensure that you place the receipt in the Tim Card envelope, behind the actual plastic Tim Card, just in case your Tim Card was encoded incorrectly. The staff in Kandahar will honour the receipt value.
- Write your personal message on the flap of the Tim Card envelope. This is the part our troops like the most — a message from the average Canadian!
- Either drop off your Tim Card at any Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service facility (fire hall or ambulance garage), drop off a cheque payable to: Share a Cup Winnipeg and MGEU will purchase cards for you, or mail a cheque to:
Share a Cup with a Brave Canuck
c/o WFPS
2nd floor 185 King
Winnipeg, MB R3B 1J1
