Wasaga Beach welcomed Canada’s former top soldier.
Retired General Rick Hillier was at the RecPlex Tuesday helping volunteers pack up Christmas cheer packages for soldiers in Afghanistan.
The campaign started at the Wasaga Beach TD branch two years ago, and this year it will provide enough packages for every soldiers in Afghanistan.
The fire department had their ladder truck outside, with a Canada flag at the top of the ladder to welcome Hillier to Wasaga.
Once inside, he greeted by some Cadets, and Hillier spoke to each one individually.
He says when soldiers are 12 thousand kilometres away from home, when it’s dangerous, and especially when it’s Christmas, they can be forgiven for thinking that they are all alone.
Hillier says that’s why the packages being sent to soldiers are so important.
He says getting a package makes a soldier realize their not alone, and reminds them that Canada remembers you, and that Canadians love what you’re doing.
Hillier says soldiers get a little bit of Canada in each package as well, because each one contains a personalized note from someone.
He says Christmas is just another day usually in Afghanistan, besides having dinner, and maybe wearing a Santa hat.
Hillier says most of our men and women serving are outside of Kandahar Airfield, in what he calls Taliban country.
He says if they let up because it’s Christmas, the risk to them rises.
So Hillier says the soldiers carry on, but tuck away a little part of their memory, so they can celebrate with their families once they get back home.