Ottawa, Ontario – If the generosity of the people of the Miramichi riding holds true, Canadian Forces personnel serving in Afghanistan will be receiving a taste of home this Christmas season – in a cup of coffee.

The first annual ‘Send your support…In a Cup of Coffee’ campaign, launched today by Tilly O’Neill Gordon, Member of Parliament for Miramichi, is focused on collecting Tim Hortons $5 gift cards and transporting them to Khandahar Airfield as a Christmas token for each Canadian soldier stationed in Afghanistan.

This project was initiated last year by Tilly’s colleague Rick Casson.  As the former Chair of the Standing Committee on National Defence, Casson has witnessed first-hand the popularity of the Khandahar Tim Hortons.  “It is such a simple gesture that can be supported by individuals, organizations, youth and community groups, elementary students, emergency services personnel, businesses and their staff.  It is heart-warming and we hope to do it again, said MP O’Neill Gordon.”

To participate in the Christmas campaign people are encouraged to purchase a $5 Tim Hortons gift card, sign the envelope with a brief note of support and drop it off at O’Neill Gordon’s office (4 Renaud Street, Miramichi, E1V 6T1) between now and December 17.  The Department of National Defence will deliver the cards to our troops shortly after Christmas.