For the past 10 years, the Christmas Hamper Drive has successfully assisted families in realizing a more hopeful and joyful Christmas. This would not be possible without the integral support of CANEX and, more specifically, the commitment and wonderful service of Lynn Davenport.

Mrs. Davenport is instrumental in ordering and preparing each hamper. She enthusiastically undertakes the challenging task of ensuring that each family receives a "tailor made" hamper. This year Candy Young, Tammy and Gerry Mulley, and Sherri Grady helped prepare the hampers.

We are deeply appreciative of the tremendous support received again this year from Mrs. Davenport and those who assisted her.

Although many soldiers within the 2 RCHA lines at CFB Petawawa initially had misgivings about turning "their canteen" over to a commercial organization, their concerns have proven to be unfounded.

Since assuming responsibility for the operation a year ago, the level of CANEX service and flexibility to adapt to the needs of the unit has been excellent. The CANEX staff was very effective in analyzing the situation and providing the canteen products that the soldiers wished to see on the menu such as baked goods, pizza, different coffees, and breakfast sandwiches.

One of our main concerns involved the operating hours and the staff's ability to respond if the unit was recalled after hours. They have always maintained timely, flexible hours and are often the first to report to the unit lines when a recall is activated. This creates a welcome situation where soldiers arrive in the dead of night to find the canteen open with hot coffee ready for all.

The CANEX staff has truly become part of the unit and is respected by all ranks. In conclusion, 2 RCHA is very happy with the flexibility and "can-do" attitude of the 2 RCHA CANEX canteen staff. We have been well serviced. Frankly, in hindsight we should have gone in this direction years ago.