Petawawa Morale Mail
Drop-off Locations in Petawawa
The South Side Community Centre offers a wrapping station where brown paper, tape, writing utensils and slips are provided.

South Side Community Centre
1578 Wolfe Ave., Petawawa
Monday - Friday / 8 AM - 4 PM


Base Mailroom
Monday – Friday / 8 AM - 12 PM & 1 - 3:30 PM
Process to Send a Package
Family members dropping off parcels must:
- Bring your boxed package to either the South Side Community Centre (1578 Wolfe Ave.) OR the PMFRC North Side Office (10-16 Regalbuto Ave.)
- The South Side Community Centre has a wrapping station where brown paper, tape, scissors, writing utensils and custom forms are provided with detailed steps on how to wrap and address your parcel.
- The PMFRC North Side Office also offers brown paper, tape, scissors, writing utensils and custom forms. It is suggested to come with your parcel already wrapped as there is very little space to offer.
- Once wrapped and labeled, bring your package to the receptionist at the front desk
PMFRC staff will be available to help with any questions or guidance you may need from Monday to Friday, 8 AM - 4 PM.
Mail is typically picked up weekly, depending on Garrison operational requirements, as the base mailroom picks up the mail to be sent to your loved ones.
Parcel Packaging
All packages must be securely packaged in a sturdy box to avoid damage and leaking. Place breakable items or liquid substances within a strong outer container to avoid damaging other items. Canadian Forces Morale Mail is not insurable or traceable.
To avoid confusion (i.e. when there are other labels, barcodes etc. on the box), all packages must be wrapped in brown craft paper which is located at both PMFRC locations. The addresses and contents are written directly on the paper. Please see below for more details.
Customs Forms are required when sending parcels through Morale Mail. You may get these at the South Side Community Centre, PMFRC North Side Office, CANEX Super Mart, or Base Mailroom.
Addressing Your Package
As directed from the Canadian Forces Postal Services (CFPS), all script is to be written clearly in uppercase letters to ensure legibility.
Place the return address on the top-left corner of the parcel.
The recipient’s address is placed in the centre of the box.
A list of all contents is written in the lower left corner of the package. You can list the contents in categories to make it simple i.e. snacks, toiletries, etc.
**Please note: To send your package, you will need to know the Section/ Unit of the recipient or the Base Mailroom will not accept it**
Mailing Address
Addresses for overseas operations may be found on the Government of Canada website. The South Side Community Centre also has a binder of all current operations.
Parcel Dimensions, Size & Weight
Items that do not meet size and weight restrictions will not be accepted.
- Maximum weight of 20 kilograms or 44 pounds
- Maximum length of 1 metre (39in); AND
- The maximum length plus girth is 2 metres (79in)
The definition of girth is “width + height + width + height”
Customs / Contents List
All parcels are subject to inspection by the host country’s customs officials.
A Canada Post Customs Declaration form must be completed and attached to the respective parcel, and a detailed list of contents must be inscribed in the bottom left-hand corner of the parcel to include quantity, description, weight (if known), and value.
Care Package Ideas
Remember to plan in advance for those special occasions as mail overseas will take time to arrive at its destination. Brainstorm ideas that will be easy for your loved one to bring back home with them as they already have a lot of equipment and bags returning home with them.
Are you looking for inspiration on how to decorate or what items to add to your next care package? Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Deployment Packages 101
- Birthday Care Package Ideas
- Holiday Theme Care Package Ideas
- Easter Theme Care Package Ideas
- ‘Love You a Latte’ Care Package Ideas
- Sports and Movie Night Care Package Ideas
If you have any Morale Mail questions contact the PMFRC Information Services team by calling 613-687-2104 or by sending an email to Information@PetawawaMFRC.com.
**Please consult your unit DSG if you have received alternate instructions for sending Morale Mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is Morale Mail?
Morale mail is a free, one-way mail service, operated by the Canadian Forces Postal Service (CFPS), that allows families, friends, and other authorized individuals to send care packages and letters to Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members.
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Where do I go to drop off my package?
South Side Community Centre
1578 Wolfe Ave., Petawawa
PMFRC North Side Office
10-16 Regalbuto Ave., Petawawa
Base Mailroom
Bldg. S-111, CFB Petawawa -
Where do I find the Section/ Unit?
The CAF member overseas will have the section/ unit they are posted to. It is helpful to get this before they leave to ensure you have no delay in sending your package. The PMFRC does not have the access to look up this information and has been directed to not accept packages that do not contain this information. If you require any clarification on this, please visit the Base Mailroom at building S-111.
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Does the PMFRC provide a box?
No, you must bring items already in a box.
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Can I send more than one package?
Yes, there is currently no limit on how many packages you can send. Multiple smaller parcels are preferred to one large parcel.
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What are some recommended items to send?
You could send:
- photo albums
- non-perishable snacks
- decks of cards
- books
- blankets
- stuffed animals
- clothing
- stationary
- toiletries
- chargers
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What are the prohibited items?
Prohibited items include:
- alcohol
- tobacco products
- drugs
- matches
- cigarette lighters
- weapons (including replicas)
- flammable liquids or solids
- compressed gas
- aerosol cans
- explosives
- radioactive materials
- ammunition
- lithium batteries (unless mounted in device)
- corrosive fluids
- perishable items
- obscene magazines or pictures
Additional mailing prohibitions may be placed on parcel contents by the host country. It is the sender’s responsibility to ensure that they comply with the prohibitions listed above and host country prohibitions for mail. A list of host country restrictions can be found at International Destination Listing.
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My school wants to send letters/ cards to CAF members, how do I do that?
You can find a veterans home in your local area to send to. Veterans Affairs also offers various tools for teachers in the classroom. Members receiving letters overseas can be abundant. Looking for local veterans and current active members can help spread appreciation across the CAF and retired veterans. The Morale Mail service is not to be used to send mail to “Any Canadian soldier/sailor/aviator”. A specific individual must be designated as the recipient for the package.
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