CAMP JULIEN, Afghanistan – On February 14, the Task Force Kabul (TFK) Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) team and the TFK padres visited the Allahudin orphanage to deliver quality of life items. These included: blankets, pillows, clothing, toys and school supplies donated by Canadians.
Major Gabriel Legault, a Roman Catholic padre, presents a soccer ball to the administrators of the Allahudin orphanage during a visit organized by CIMIC.
"We have several large containers of quality of life supplies at Camp Julien that have been collected by TFK personnel and also sent from concerned Canadians back home," said Warrant Officer Jim Kolar, the CIMIC operations non-commissioned member. "This orphanage was selected as a quick impact project because it is in our area and the supplies were needed here.
The CIMIC team is an integral component of Operation ATHENA, Canada's contribution to the International Security and Assistance Force (ISAF). The ISAF mission is to help maintain security in Kabul and its surrounding areas so the Government of Afghanistan and United Nations agencies can continue rebuilding the country.
Lieutenant (Navy) Jean Johns, a Roman Catholic padre, hands out toys to residents of the Allahudin orphanage during a visit organized by CIMIC.
This support sometimes takes the form of projects, such as digging wells, delivering school and medical supplies, or even something as simple as connecting with local community leaders.
Distributing toys and clothes might seem like a small gesture but it means a great deal to the young Afghan orphans who receive these items. It also goes a long way in building bridges between the Canadian military and the Afghan community in which we live and work.
Article by Captain Mark Gough
Photos by Warrant Officer Jim Kolar
