Soldiers in Mali welcome gift boxes
Recently, Darlene Loucks visited in Ottawa with “young” veterans who remembered when their friend Cpl. Fraser Gill received 40 boxes of goodies in 2006 while in Afghanistan. Yes, that was 40. As though it was yesterday they rhymed off what was in the boxes – peanut butter, jerky, mac & cheese ... When she sees what this means to her “kids” Loucks is motivated to “keep this Yellow Ribbon going.”
And that is actually what she is doing. Canadian armed forces are in or travelling to Mali. Their objective is to care for wounded Malian’s fighting in a civil war. Presently, they are setting up satellite technology and a water purification system at Camp Castor where the Role 1 clinic is located to which the wounded will be evacuated by helicopter.
Darlene hears from the troops already there that the “heat is insane!” Temperatures were recently in the low 40’s C. She also hears that the food is good and the sand is more like dust! Sandstorms roll across the desert. This tells Loucks what to put in the next set of boxes. Trust her judgment as she has sent 1,306 of them around the world. Visine and Q-Tips will get sand out of eyes. In addition, wipes, moisturizer, shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, jumbo Mr. Freezies, “salty” snacks, trail mix, MIO, drink crystals, M&Ms, Smarties, Reese’s Pieces, chips, Doritos and cookies are all on the list. No chocolate bars for the heat.
Darlene says that is the list for now but it will probably get longer as she hears more from soldiers in Mali. There is lots of shopping to do and money to raise. Any donations – money or items - you wish to make can be dropped off at the BCC. You can phone Darlene at 705-657-7182 or email her at rdloucks@yahoo.ca Checks can be made payable to the Buckhorn Community Centre Soldier Fund or an e-transfer to Darlene Loucks.
Darlene is doing this because Camille and Jason are going to Mali. They have had friends who received previous boxes in other theatres. And they will send new names. The list goes on. This Mission “Operation Presence” will last one year. The Yellow Ribbon Campaign thanks you in advance for your help.;
These troops are located in Gao with Operation Presence if you wish to find out more.
Easels
Bob Gill, a friend to Buckhorn woodcarvers and singers, passed this spring. Buckhorn woodcarvers will be staging a display of some of his spectacular carvings at the Bobcaygeon carving show in September. Buckhorn Woodcarvers president, Derek Bland, asks if anyone has easels which could be used for the display, email kerkmam@gmail.com .
Buckhorn Singers
The Buckhorn Singers are anticipating another fun and satisfying year of singing. This group of 30 singers rehearses at the BCC on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. in September. The first of November they start singing at various retirement and nursing homes in the area, Their music includes songs from the ’30s, ’40s and ’50s plus songs from musicals and rocks bands. If you like to sing come join the group on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. starting in September.