Retailer Giant Tiger is launching Operation Santa Claus in partnership with Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS) to help deliver care packages to more than 2,500 members of the Canadian Armed Forces deployed in Canada and across the world who are unable to be with their families for the holiday season.
Beginning Saturday (Oct. 26), until Saturday, Nov. 9, customers can donate to Operation Santa Claus at their local Giant Tiger store by rounding up their purchase or donating $1 or $2 at checkout.
“As a community-focused retailer, we have proudly supported Operation Santa Claus since 2014, and we’re thrilled to continue this meaningful initiative again this year,” said Gabrielle Hargrove, Senior Vice President and Chief HR Officer, Giant Tiger Stores Limited. “This program delivers a piece of home to those away from their loved ones during the holidays, and it’s a beautiful way to bring our communities together during the holiday season.”
“The package was filled with thoughtfully selected items, and we were truly impressed by the care put into each one. It included everything from toiletries and food to a coffee cup and a small bag. Every item was warmly received by our soldiers, and nothing went to waste. If a soldier preferred certain items, we pooled them for our weekly movie night. For a brief moment, it felt like a little piece of home, making each soldier feel valued. We cannot express enough gratitude to everyone involved in this wonderful initiative,” said a deployed CAF member recipient of an Op Santa Package in 2023.
In a news release, officials said Operation Santa Claus began in 1992 in Montréal initiated by women sending holiday packages to their spouses serving on peacekeeping missions abroad. These packages included cards, greetings from across Canada, and donated items from local businesses. The program quickly grew nationwide sending care packages annually to all deployed Canadian Armed Forced members thanks to the generous support of Canadians and Corporate Canada. Each package contains cozy essentials, treats, and self-care items, bringing holiday joy to deployed personnel, it was explained.
“Since 2014, Giant Tiger has contributed more than $610,000 in product through funds raised, helping to fill care packages for over 27,632 members of the Canadian Armed Forces. Last year alone, through the generosity of our customers, Giant Tiger Stores raised enough funds to supply products in 3,000 care packages. Donations to Operation Santa Claus can be made at your local Giant Tiger,” said the news release.
Giant Tiger, a privately held company, has over 260 locations across Canada and employs over 10,000 members of Team Tiger.
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