DEPLOYMENT SERVICES

Details about Mailing Packages Overseas

Tips for family members who want to send packages to deployed Canadian Forces members:

Sending packages can be a wonderful way to keep in touch with loved ones serving overseas. When preparing a package, here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Plan in advance for special occasions.
  • Make sure parcels are well wrapped and clearly labelled.
  • Mark any packages that contain a recorded cassette or video tape with: MAGNETIC RECORDED TAPES INSIDE - DO NOT X-RAY
  • Do not attach a letter or envelope to the outside of the parcel as you will automatically be charged costly First Class rates.
  • Parcels must be addressed and labelled properly and must bear the address of the sender in the top left corner. The Canada Customs form is not sufficient for labelling.
  • Ensure that the parcel is wrapped properly and securely and use packing tape. Do not use string to bind the parcel.
  • The maximum permitted weight is 20 kilograms. The length, width or depth of the parcel must not exceed 60 centimetres and combined measurement of length plus width plus girth must not exceed 180 centimetres.
  • A Canada Customs declaration form is required with every parcel departing or entering Canada signed by the sender of the parcel. Use the small green form for packages under 2 kilograms. Use the larger blue and white form for packages of 2 kilograms or more.
  • Proper addressing and member’s information must be on the package, as well as the sender’s information. This can only be acquired through the military member. Please ensure the proper information is there, including rank/last name/first name, SN, P.O. Box XXXX, Belleville, ON

All Canada Customs declarations and dispatch notes must contain the following information

  • full name and address of the sender and the addressee including postal code, zip code or country name
  • accurate list of contents (do not use general terms such as “merchandise” or “samples”) and estimated cost of each item.
  • country of origin
  • how the item is to be handled if it cannot be delivered:
    - returned by air or surface mail at the sender's expense
    - treated as “abandoned” – for uninsured parcels only
  • signature of the sender. Though it is not required on the form, please also put the date you delivered your package to the TMFRC so your family member will know how long it has been in the system.

 

Donation Care Packages for the troops - from the community:

Unfortunately we cannot accept ANY parcels that do not have the full name, rank, service number and address of a Canadian Forces member currently serving overseas.

Neither can we provide members of the community with this information (as per the Toronto Military Family Resource Centre’s confidentiality agreement).

This is in accordance with the guidelines set by the Department of National Defence.

For a full explanation and other ways to support the troops visit the Canadian Forces Personal Support Agency website at www.cfpsa.com and click on the yellow ‘support our troops’ ribbon.

***You may still be able to send your care package through a charity called ‘Chosen Soldier’. For details visit their website www.trevlac.biz/chosen_soldier.htm

Or contact organizers Joan McMurray and Louise Jarvis at 416 283 1925 or louisejarvis@sympatico.ca
 

  


Mail Regulations

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:

  • alcohol, beer and wine;
  • explosives, radioactive materials or ammunition;
  • matches;
  • flammable liquids or solids;
  • compressed gas;
  • propane cigarette lighters;
  • corrosive fluids;
  • obscene magazines or pictures;
  • batteries;
  • drugs; and
  • perishable items.

Customs authorities of the destination country may examine all mail. They will confiscate any prohibited item and mailing such items may lead to criminal charges being laid against the sender.

Parcels sent using the TMFRC free mail program will not be insured. Please do not send valuables or irreplaceable items. TMFRC is not responsible for lost or stolen packages.

Addresses for Overseas Mail

Please confirm the address and mission name with your deployed family member of where they will be posted outside of Canada. Be sure to know their rank and service number. Packages will not be shipped if they are missing this information. The National Defence and the Canadian Forces website provides address information for most missions - though not all of them are listed here.

Care Packages: Here are some helpful ideas for care packages ( .pdf, 192 kb ).

Ways the general public can support the troops:

The troops overseas have been overwhelmed with the support that is coming from individuals and companies across Canada. Because the mission re-supply is designed to move operational and operation support equipment, donated goods (which do not qualify as such) can only be moved when space is available. Such space is extremely limited and its use requires extensive coordination in order to keep it under control.

The staff of the Toronto Military Family Resource Centre request that everyone adhere to this request and support our troops in other ways. Our concern is for the well-being of military members and their families and we want to ensure that it is those care packages that get priority on the mission re-supplies.

You can support the troops in other ways like wearing red on Fridays, purchasing and displaying “Support Our Troops” merchandise or making a donation. The Canadian Forces Personnel Support Agency (CFPSA) website gives full details on these and other meaningful alternatives.