Record Christmas Card Campaign Supports Service Personnel

Aurora, Ontario, December 26, 2025 – A local couple’s decades-long effort to brighten the holidays for Canadian service members culminated in a record-breaking outpouring of support this year, with over 12,400 cards and messages set to be delivered to troops worldwide.

Community Rallies to Send Holiday Cheer to Canadian Armed Forces

For 20 years, one Aurora couple has mobilized their community to send holiday greetings to Canadian service members, and this year they surpassed all previous records.

• Dianne and Brian Harrison spearheaded a campaign that collected 12,400 holiday cards for Canadian Armed Forces personnel.
• The effort represents a significant increase from their initial goal of 10,000 messages.
• Organizations like the Optimist Club of Aurora and the aurora Public Library played a crucial role in the campaign’s success.
• Contributors cited increased awareness of the challenges faced by service members as a motivating factor.
• The Harrisons plan to continue the tradition for a 21st year.

What’s driving this surge in support for Canadian troops? A growing awareness of the sacrifices made by those in uniform, coupled with a desire to express gratitude, appears to be fueling the increased participation.”People are concerned about their futures,” she explained. “People are striving, not thriving, these days, and I think that they’ve had more time to think about how fortunate we are to have the military that we do and the contry that we live in.”

The contributions from younger writers were particularly touching, Harrison said, noting the “sparkles and life” they brought to their messages. She also expressed some concern about the influence of artificial intelligence on children’s understanding of truth.

The Aurora Public Library helped organise cards from children and teens, while drop-off boxes at locations like the Aurora Seniors’ Center, the Aurora branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, and Chocolate & Co. collected contributions from the wider community. Many residents expressed surprise at learning about the initiative, despite it’s 20-year history, indicating an influx of new community members.

“We had more people join us this year and now they want to become a part and do the same thing next year,” Harrison said.

And will the Harrisons led the charge for a 21st year? “Absolutely!” they affirmed in unison.

If you’re holding onto extra Christmas cards, consider saving them for 2026 and preparing a message for a Canadian soldier serving at home or abroad.