HALLMARK HELPS OUR TROOPS BRIDGE THE DISTANCE TO HOME AT CHRISTMAS TIME

Gift of Hallmark Recordable Storybooks lets soldiers read to their kids back home

TORONTO, Dec. 23 /CNW/ - For Canadian soldiers serving in Afghanistan, separation from their children and other little loved ones back home can be a painful part of their duty, especially at Christmas time.

Hallmark Canada is helping to bridge that distance with a donation of 2,400 Recordable Storybooks to the Canadian Forces' annual Operation Santa Claus initiative, which provides gifts to our soldiers serving in Afghanistan during the holiday period.  The books contain digital audio recorders that enable parents to record themselves and send the book back home - then, when children turn the pages, they hear Mom or Dad's voice reading them the story.

"Nothing can take the place of being home for the holidays, but we can help in at least a virtual way to bring our brave men and women serving in Afghanistan a little closer to their children at Christmas," said Chris Kelly, Vice President of Consumer Solutions and Brand Experience for Hallmark Canada.

"It's a special way to help them share their love, even though they're so far apart."

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 240 Gold Crown stores as well as select grocery stores, drug stores, mass-merchandisers and discount stores. In Canada, Hallmark's headquarters are in Toronto.

For further information:

Julie-Anne Cleyn
Veritas Communications
416.482.2154
[email protected]