Operation Santa Claus
- Background
- Evolution of Operation Santa Claus
- A global effort
- Importance of the program
- Looking to the future
Many years ago, a small group of dedicated Canadian military leaders saw a need to provide a sense of home and warmth to Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members deployed overseas, particularly during the Christmas holiday season. The team behind this initiative, including Lieutenant Colonel (LCol) Dave Marshall, Major Roger Gautier, and Major Bert Larsen, worked together to develop a program that would bring a little bit of Christmas to CAF members who were away from their families during the holidays. They called this initiative Operation Santa Claus.
The goal of Operation Santa Claus was simple yet profound: to ensure that Canadian soldiers, sailors, airmen, and airwomen serving in distant parts of the world could feel connected to home during the festive season. Over the years, this program has grown into an incredibly meaningful tradition, one that has touched the lives of thousands of Canadian Armed Forces members.
Presented by the Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS), an organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Canadian Forces Members and their families. Through CFMWS's leadership, resources and support this initiative has flourished, ensuring that our deployed members receive the holiday cheer they deserve.
The goal of Operation Santa Claus was simple yet profound: to ensure that Canadian soldiers, sailors, airmen, and airwomen serving in distant parts of the world could feel connected to home during the festive season. Over the years, this program has grown into an incredibly meaningful tradition, one that has touched the lives of thousands of Canadian Armed Forces members.
Presented by the Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS), an organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Canadian Forces Members and their families. Through CFMWS's leadership, resources and support this initiative has flourished, ensuring that our deployed members receive the holiday cheer they deserve.
Since its inception, Operation Santa Claus has evolved significantly. Initially, the program began with a small number of packages, carefully crafted by volunteers, and sent to deployed personnel. However, as the Canadian military’s missions grew and the demand for support expanded, the program also adapted to meet those needs.
Over the years, Operation Santa Claus has gained immense support from corporate partners, donors, and community organizations. Through these partnerships, the program has been able to send an increasing number of care packages filled with treats, seasonal goodies, and special messages from Canadians back home.
Over the years, Operation Santa Claus has gained immense support from corporate partners, donors, and community organizations. Through these partnerships, the program has been able to send an increasing number of care packages filled with treats, seasonal goodies, and special messages from Canadians back home.
In 2024, Operation Santa Claus sent a total of 2,940 packages to over 25 missions around the world, reaching Canadian Armed Forces personnel stationed in some of the most challenging and remote locations. These packages not only provided deployed CAF members with some of the comforts of home, but also reminded them that their sacrifices were recognized and appreciated by their fellow Canadians.
These care packages often include holiday-themed snacks, toiletries, and other items that help bring the Christmas spirit to those who are far away from their loved ones. Additionally, heartfelt notes and cards of encouragement are included to remind the CAF members that they are not forgotten.
These care packages often include holiday-themed snacks, toiletries, and other items that help bring the Christmas spirit to those who are far away from their loved ones. Additionally, heartfelt notes and cards of encouragement are included to remind the CAF members that they are not forgotten.
Operation Santa Claus has become a symbol of the Canadian spirit — one that is built on community, support, and generosity. It reinforces the bond between Canadians and the men and women who serve in the military, ensuring that, despite being halfway across the world, our troops feel remembered and valued during the holidays.
This program is a reflection of the commitment and compassion of all those involved, from the volunteers packing the boxes, to the donors and corporate partners who make it possible, to the CAF members who continue to serve with pride. It is a reminder of the power of small gestures in making a big difference, and how, even when soldiers are far from home, they are never truly alone.
This program is a reflection of the commitment and compassion of all those involved, from the volunteers packing the boxes, to the donors and corporate partners who make it possible, to the CAF members who continue to serve with pride. It is a reminder of the power of small gestures in making a big difference, and how, even when soldiers are far from home, they are never truly alone.
As Operation Santa Claus continues to grow and evolve, its impact will undoubtedly remain significant for years to come. The program has become an integral part of the holiday season for many members of the Canadian Armed Forces, and it is a tradition that embodies the deep sense of unity and support that defines the Canadian military community.
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Background
Many years ago, a small group of dedicated Canadian military leaders saw a need to provide a sense of home and warmth to Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members deployed overseas, particularly during the Christmas holiday season. The team behind this initiative, including Lieutenant Colonel (LCol) Dave Marshall, Major Roger Gautier, and Major Bert Larsen, worked together to develop a program that would bring a little bit of Christmas to CAF members who were away from their families during the holidays. They called this initiative Operation Santa Claus.
The goal of Operation Santa Claus was simple yet profound: to ensure that Canadian soldiers, sailors, airmen, and airwomen serving in distant parts of the world could feel connected to home during the festive season. Over the years, this program has grown into an incredibly meaningful tradition, one that has touched the lives of thousands of Canadian Armed Forces members.
Presented by the Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS), an organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Canadian Forces Members and their families. Through CFMWS's leadership, resources and support this initiative has flourished, ensuring that our deployed members receive the holiday cheer they deserve. -
Evolution of Operation Santa Claus
Since its inception, Operation Santa Claus has evolved significantly. Initially, the program began with a small number of packages, carefully crafted by volunteers, and sent to deployed personnel. However, as the Canadian military’s missions grew and the demand for support expanded, the program also adapted to meet those needs.
Over the years, Operation Santa Claus has gained immense support from corporate partners, donors, and community organizations. Through these partnerships, the program has been able to send an increasing number of care packages filled with treats, seasonal goodies, and special messages from Canadians back home. -
A global effort
In 2024, Operation Santa Claus sent a total of 2,940 packages to over 25 missions around the world, reaching Canadian Armed Forces personnel stationed in some of the most challenging and remote locations. These packages not only provided deployed CAF members with some of the comforts of home, but also reminded them that their sacrifices were recognized and appreciated by their fellow Canadians.
These care packages often include holiday-themed snacks, toiletries, and other items that help bring the Christmas spirit to those who are far away from their loved ones. Additionally, heartfelt notes and cards of encouragement are included to remind the CAF members that they are not forgotten. -
Importance of the program
Operation Santa Claus has become a symbol of the Canadian spirit — one that is built on community, support, and generosity. It reinforces the bond between Canadians and the men and women who serve in the military, ensuring that, despite being halfway across the world, our troops feel remembered and valued during the holidays.
This program is a reflection of the commitment and compassion of all those involved, from the volunteers packing the boxes, to the donors and corporate partners who make it possible, to the CAF members who continue to serve with pride. It is a reminder of the power of small gestures in making a big difference, and how, even when soldiers are far from home, they are never truly alone. -
Looking to the future
As Operation Santa Claus continues to grow and evolve, its impact will undoubtedly remain significant for years to come. The program has become an integral part of the holiday season for many members of the Canadian Armed Forces, and it is a tradition that embodies the deep sense of unity and support that defines the Canadian military community.
A special holiday message
Operation Santa Claus also sends out a special Operation Santa Claus video. This video features holiday messages from a variety of Canadian celebrities, bringing even more festive cheer to our troops deployed around the world. This year's video included heartfelt greetings from the following stars:
- Gen M.A.J. Carignan : Chief of the Defence Staff & CWO Bob McCann, MMM, MSM, CD
- Charlie Storey: Actress
- Bryan Baeumler: Host on HGTV
- Dwayne De Rosario: Toronto FC Community Ambassador & Former Professional Soccer Player
- The Trews: Rock Band
- The Reklaws: Country Music Duo
- Jonathan Osorio: Professional Soccer Player, Toronto FC
- Jon McLaren: Actor
- Terry Fiset: Op Good Soldier
- Cast of Merry & Bright: Hallmark TV show
- Mark Messier: Former NHL Player
- Landy Canon: Actor
- Simple Plan: Punk Band
These video messages are a tremendous hit with the troops, offering them a personal connection to some of Canada’s favorite personalities and a much-needed boost of holiday spirit.
A heartfelt thank you to our partners and donors
The success of Operation Santa Claus is made possible through the generous support of our partners and donors, whose contributions help ensure that the program continues to grow and reach those who need it most. We extend our sincere thanks to the following organizations for their invaluable support of the 2024 campaign:
- Giant Tiger
- The Legion
- Logistik
- The Commissionnaires
- Canadian Tire
- Kraft Heinz
- Deloitte
Their commitment to this cause demonstrates the incredible spirit of partnership and generosity that is integral to the success of Operation Santa Claus. With their support, this year we have been able to send nearly 3,000 packages to our deployed personnel, spreading holiday cheer and reminding them that they are always in the thoughts of Canadians.
Key highlights of Operation Santa Claus in 2024
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Package Survey
If you have received an Operations Santa Claus package this year, please use the link to take a 2 minute survey and let us know what you thought. Your feedback is important in order for us to continue to improve the quality of the packages.
