Care Packages & Morale Mail

8 Wing Trenton Military family members can send “care packages” to loved ones overseas.

The free mail service should not be used if the member is due to return to Canada within four weeks of mailing date. Items cannot be traced using this service and delivery times are varied and not guaranteed. Morale Mail Service is not recommended for sending personal property or items of any significant value.

No Charitable donations and/or humanitarian aid is permitted to be sent through this service (in accordance with policy issued by the VCDS).

More instructions for mailing overseas and all other Canadian Overseas shipping addresses can be found at: http://www.forces.gc.ca/en/write-to-the-troops/mailing-instructions.page

Drop Off Location

Families may drop off their morale mail to the Trenton Military Family Resource Centre (the Base Post Office picks up mail/parcels every Tuesday and Thursday).

• Location: 50 Rivers Drive East, Trenton, ON
• Hours: Monday to Friday 7:30 am to 5:00 pm

Canadian Forces Morale Mail Guidelines from Canada to Theatre

The Morale Mail service provides families and friends with Canada a cost-free alternative to using Canada Post to send care packages to those serving at a CAF deployed operation. A Canada Post International Air/Surface Shipping Label must be completed and attached to the respective parcel, and a detail list of contents must be inscribed in the bottom left-hand corner of the parcel to include quantity, description, weight (if known), and value. Parcels without the proper customs documentation /labels will take additional time to be processed and may be refused. Note: senders are encouraged to place their address and phone number on the top left corner of the parcel thus enabling the CF Postal Service to contact them should there be address or content concerns.

Eligibility

Families and friends within Canada may send letters and parcels to Canadian Forces members, DND employees, CAFPSA personnel, and CAF Contractors.

Delivery Time Frame

Because Morale Mail is often sent only once weekly from locations across Canada, it may take up to 28 days or longer from the time of mailing to delivery to the addressee in Theatre.

Size Requirements

The following are specific guidelines for this service (Note: oversize and overweight parcels will not be accepted):

• Weight: Maximum 20 kg (Approx 44 lbs)
• Size: Two conditions must be met regarding size: maximum length is one meter (Approx 39’); the maximum length plus girth is two meters (Approx 79”)

Prohibited Items

No article may be sent by mail if their nature or packaging may expose postal employees to hazards, or damage other items of mail. Mailing the following items is strictly prohibited by Canada Post and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF):

• alcohol, beer and wine
• tobacco products, cigarettes and cigars
• weapons, including replicas Knives
• explosives, radioactive materials or ammunition including inert ammunition
• matches
• flammable liquids or solids
• compressed gas, aerosol cans (i.e. shaving cream, air fresheners, etc.)
• cigarette lighters
• corrosive fluids
• obscene magazines or pictures
• drugs
• perishable items
• Lithium Batteries (unless mounted in a device)