TD Canada Trust employees and General Hillier take part in a special mission

    
    -   General (Retired) Rick Hillier joined local TD Canada Trust branch
        employees to help put together holiday care packages for Canadian
        soldiers currently serving in Afghanistan
    

WASAGA BEACH, ON, Nov. 17 /CNW/ - The local YMCA in Wasaga Beach was filled with the spirit of giving today. TD Canada Trust employees from the Georgian Trails district were joined by members of the community, including the Rotary Club, armed forces and general public to put together care packages for soldiers that will be spending the holidays on tour in Afghanistan .

Today, General (Retired) Rick Hillier addressed the volunteers and spoke about the importance of supporting Canadian Soldiers and their families. Hillier also joined to help put together 2,500 care packages that will be delivered for the holiday season.

"The best gift in these care packages is the message that the men and women of the Canadian Forces make us proud," said General Hiller. "We respect and honour their incredible work and sacrifices and are most thankful for their never ending dedication and bravery to Canada . They, along with their families, are in our hearts at all times."

The Georgian Bay area is home to two military bases, Base Borden and Base Meaford, and local community members are passionate about supporting their neighbours who serve in the Canadian Armed Forces. Local TD Canada Trust branches raised money through customer donations, community contributions and other fundraisers held by the local service clubs.

"It's unbelievable that this initiative started only two years ago with one of our very own employees," said Lionel Laflamme , District Vice President, Western Ontario Region, TD Canada Trust. "One of our branch managers had a son that had spent some time in Afghanistan and she used to put together a care package for him. She heard that he would share with others that didn't receive anything, so she put together 1000 more to send over. Now with the help of her colleagues and community members, we are going to send over 2,500 to our soldiers that are overseas this year."

Each care package which includes dry goods, chocolates, games and holiday novelty items will be sent with a note reminding our soldiers that there are people at home waiting for their safe return.

For further information: Tashlin Hirani, TD Bank Financial Group, [phone], [email protected]