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The signatures and well-wishes were collected over the past two weeks from Canadians at various Quebec and Montreal-area stores after Sears officially launched its "Operation Wish" program in Quebec City November 1. Canadians were asked to sign the cards in support of the troops and their families, who will be apart from each other this Holiday season. The three cards have been shipped to CFB Trenton, where they will be officially unveiled at a special ceremony that features a dress rehearsal for the CFPSA's biannual show tour to entertain those troops stationed in Afghanistan. The three cards will be presented to the troops in Afghanistan at the show on November 30th.

"It's very tough to be away from home during the Holidays, as is the case for thousands of Canada's military personnel serving overseas," said Mr. Rogers. "This is our small way of helping Canadians reach out to support the troops and their families. Support from our customers and associates has been overwhelming and that's why we have chosen this way of sending the thoughts and best wishes directly to the soldiers overseas."

While the first three cards were from the Quebec area, in recognition of the large contingent of soldiers who were recently deployed from Valcartier, similar cards will be placed in Sears stores across the country in early December. In addition to the cards, Sears Operation Wish allows Canadian troops stationed abroad to place a customized order from the Sears Wish Book online. Copies of the catalogue were sent to Canadian soldiers, sailors and air force personnel posted to operational missions in Afghanistan, Africa, the Balkans, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Southwest Asia and the Arabian Gulf region, as well as those serving on HMCS Charlottetown.

"Receiving good wishes from people back home means a great deal to our troops overseas," said Jim Peverley, CFPSA, Director of Deployment Support. "Canadians thoughts and support are also very meaningful to all military families, whether their loved ones are stationed outside Canada or not."

The CFPSA develops and delivers morale and welfare programs, activities and services to members of the CF and their families, in Canada and overseas. These activities include sports and recreation, health and fitness, family services, retail operations, financial services and, mess management. In addition, the CFPSA deploys approximately 70 civilian personnel per six-month rotation to Afghanistan to conduct morale and welfare programs.

Sears Canada is a multi-channel retailer with a network of 196 corporate stores, 179 dealer stores, 61 home improvement showrooms, over 1,800 catalogue merchandise pick-up locations, 106 Sears Travel offices and a nationwide home maintenance, repair and installation network. The Company also publishes Canada's most extensive general merchandise catalogue and offers shopping online at www.sears.ca.

SOURCE: Sears Canada Inc.

Eliana Cugini, Sears Canada Inc., (416) 941-4426, ecugini@sears.ca