Amanda Persico

A candle burning in a window is a welcoming sign. A glowing fireplace gives off a warm feeling. These are signs of the comforts of home.

Operation Home Fires is packaging that warm and welcoming feeling and sending it to Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan.

“When I think of home, I think of candles burning. Fires burning to welcome people,”  East Gwillimbury Councillor and Mount Albert legion president Cathy Morton said.

Supporting troops is something that runs in the family for the councillor and organizer of Operation Home Fires. Ms Morton’s father and grandfather were soldiers.  

“We want to keep soldiers in touch with home and family,” she said.

“You might not support the war, but we all appreciate (their) efforts.”

Soldiers have asked for handy items, such as Werther’s Original candies, single drink mixing packages and hand wipes. General cards and letters expressing support are also part of the package.

“These are things soldiers can carry lightly,” she said. “Werther’s they can carry in their backpacks. And the drink mixes give them more flavour than just water.”

The first shipment will go to Base Borden after Remembrance Day and then to Afghanistan in time for Christmas.

The second set of packages will be sent after Christmas.

“It’s a little part of home that keeps the soldiers close,” Ms Morton said. “It shows we remember them.”

Along with dropping off candies, drinks and wipes, the Mount Albert legion also hosts the second annual Support Our Troops rally Nov. 1 at the Mount Albert Lions Hall.

This year marks the 90th anniversary of signing the armistice Nov. 11, 1918 to end the First World War.

Pipes, drums and a ceremonial parade will kick of the rally, followed by speeches by veterans and soldiers who were posted in Afghanistan.

The famous poppy truck, bearing the Canadian Flag, will be at the rally to kick off poppy week.

Show your support:

WHAT: Support Our Troops rally
WHERE: Mount Albert Lions Hall, 5057 Mount Albert Sdrd.
WHEN:  Nov. 1, 4 p.m.