How to Send Morale Mail
The Esquimalt MFRC is the easiest and most popular way to send morale mail or care package parcels to a deployed military member. This is a free service available at the MFRC under the direction of the Fleet Mail Office. The MFRC has customs declaration forms for your use. Mail gets picked up at the MFRC by the Fleet Mail Office Monday to Friday.
Quick Links
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the hours of the Esquimalt MFRC?
A. The Esquimalt MFRC has two locations: one is located in Esquimalt, the other is in Colwood. Click here for hours of operation.
Q. Are wrapping supplies provided?
A. At this time due to COVID restrictions the MFRC is not able to provide wrapping supplies (i.e.: tape, paper, scissors). Wrapping supplies are available at the Fleet and Base mail offices.
Q. Can I send liquids (i.e. beverages, hot sauce, pop, etc.)?
A. No. Liquids are a prohibited item. Check the complete list here.
Q. What is the mailing address for my deployed military member?
A. Your mailing address will be one of the following, depending on where your military member is deployed:
| RANK / NAME / INITIAL HMCS (SHIP’S NAME), MESS # PO BOX 17000 STN FORCES VICTORIA, BC V9A 7N2 |
OPERATION NAME (####) RANK / NAME / INITIAL PO BOX (####), STN FORCES BELLEVILLE, ONT K8N5W6 |
RANK / NAME / INITIAL HMC HALIFAX, MESS # PO BOX 99000, STN FORCES HALIFAX, NS B3K 5X5 |
Q. Why do I have to list the contents on the box?
A. Contents are listed on the box to help the Fleet Mail Office know what to expect to see when they x-ray the parcel. If they see something on the x-ray that wasn’t listed on the contents list they will pull the package aside and contact the sender.
Q. Why do I have to put my phone number on the box?
A. Phone numbers must be on the box so that the Fleet Mail Office (FMO) can contact the sender if any questions arise from the x-ray photos. FMO can call the sender to confirm items in the parcel and acknowledge that items are ok to be sent. If items are deemed prohibited, FMO can call the sender to arrange for the parcel to be picked from FMO or FMO may dispose of the items.
Q. Do I have to pay if mailing through Canada Post?
A. Yes. There may be exceptions for Christmas parcels, check with your local MFRC for information or call the Fleet Mail Office at 250-363-2176.
Q. If mailing through Canada Post, how much does it cost?
A. Regular Canada post rates will apply when shipping through Canada Post. However, you only pay the cost from your location to the Canadian destination of that parcel, not the location of your deployed member.
Q. How many parcels can I send?
A. The number of parcels is unlimited. Multiple smaller parcels are preferred to one large parcel.
Q. Are there defined size and weight limits for my parcels?
A. Size: Maximum dimensions for a parcel are as follows: length = 100cm, width = 40cm and height = 40cm. The maximum weight for parcels is 20 kilograms. Click here for more information.
Q. Can I send powders (i.e. protein powder, foot powder, baby powder)?
A. The sender will have to verify if these items are acceptable in the country where the member is deployed or visiting. Usually, Middle Eastern countries don’t allow any powders, this would include foot and protein powder. If the family member wants to send these items they can, however, they just have to remember that those items, if prohibited, may be seized at the border of these countries. It’s different if the member orders the item from a supplier and has it shipped to themselves vs a family member purchasing it and sending out as morale mail. Suppliers are licensed to sell and ship these items. Our suggestion, when sending powder items is to send in their own box to avoid seizure of your entire morale mail contents.
Q. Can I, as the military member, order items online to be shipped through the morale mail system?
A. Yes, if ordering from a company such as Amazon that will accept the PO Box STN Forces address, these items will be accepted at the main gate and processed at Fleet Mail Office. Please note: You may have difficulties ordering items from other companies that do not accept the PO Box Station Forces as a delivery address.
Q. Can I order items online for my deployed military member to be shipped through the morale mail system?
A. Yes, if ordering from a company such as Amazon that will accept the PO Box STN Forces address, these items will be accepted at the main gate and processed at Fleet Mail Office. Please note: You may have difficulties ordering items from other companies that do not accept the PO Box Station Forces as a delivery address.
Prohibited Items
The following articles are prohibited in morale mail and are likely to be rejected by the Fleet Mail Office:
- Tobacco including the following: electronic smoking products (electronic cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, pipes and the liquid cartridges)
- Articles which are obscene / immoral
- Compressed gases (aerosols)
- Flammable liquids or solids (lighter fluid, matches)
- Corrosive liquids or solids (bleach, acids, ammonia)
- Explosives
- Alcoholic beverages
- Drugs and narcotics (including prescription drugs)
- Perishable items (fruit, meat)
- Batteries (fluid, lithium)
- Cologne, perfume, essential oils
- Fireworks
- Hairspray
- Ink
- Water pistols
- Knives
- Liquids of any kind
- Weapon replicas (e.g. Nerf guns, plastic knives, etc.)
- Essential oils
Drop off Locations
In total, there are five options on sending morale mail to a deployed military member.
- Drop off your package ready to go at the Colwood Pacific Activity Centre MFRC or the Signal Hill MFRC with a customs declaration form.
- Drop off your mail at another MFRC in Canada with a customs declaration form. Find your closest MFRC.
- Send through Canada Post with a customs declaration form (note: you will have to pay for this service with the only exception being around Christmas time)
- Drop off at Fleet Mail Office or Naden Mail Office with a customs declaration form. The mail offices are able to provide free wrapping paper, tape and customs forms. (note: parts of CFB Esquimalt might not be accessible to friends and family of military members)
- Drop off at another approved location (eg. 443 Squadron) with a customs declaration form
Fleet Mail Office
Building: D37
250-363-4791
Open Monday-Friday 9am-2pm
Note: Military and Civilian personnel can drop off morale mail parcels at this location. They have a full Canada Post counter that offers mail services as well. Their wrapping station is open.
Naden Mail Office
Building: N34, Basement of Nelles Block
250-363-4198
Open Monday-Friday 10am-Noon
Note: Military and Civilian personnel can drop off morale mail parcels at this location also. The mail services are limited at this location, it is cash only sales. No wrapping station here.
443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron
9755 Willingdon, North Saanich, BC
Drop off with Commissionnaires (your package will be picked up by the Fleet Mail Office)
250-363-5443 (Ext 5-1100)
Open 24 Hours
View Map
Here is a what to write on your customs declaration form:
Fleet Mail Office Guidelines
The MFRC operates as a postal outlet for the Fleet Mail Office so please adhere to the following guidelines to avoid delay of your parcel:
- If your military member is away on a course or imposed restriction (IR), you must mail your letters or parcels through Canada Post. Call the MFRC at 1-800-353-3329 if you need help finding a mail drop off location near you.
- Ensure that your parcel is wrapped in standard, sturdy parcel wrapping paper. It should look the same way as if you were sending a parcel via Canada Post.. This paper can be found at stationary supply stores, Canada Post outlets or your local Dollar Store.
- Underneath the outer sturdy wrapping, you can gift wrap your parcel.
- It is also recommended that parcels are taped on all edges.
- International customs forms are available at the MFRC or any Canada Post outlet.
- Due to COVID restrictions, the MFRC is not able to offer wrapping station services or supplies so you will need to arrive with your parcel properly wrapped or it will not be accepted.
- Check your Family Network webpage for specific mail deadlines.
- Check the Contact Us page for MFRC hours and locations.
Fleet Mail Office will return the parcels if the wrapping paper or box is ripped and forms/labels are coming off. Clients are responsible to wrap their package properly to avoid this from happening. If you have any questions on the morale mail program, please contact the Fleet Mail Office at 250-363-2176.
Important Resources
| Resource | Link/Download |
|---|---|
| Addresses for overseas operations and postings | English, French |
| Postal Information for HMC Ships on Deployment | English and French (PDF) |
| Postal Information for Terra Firma Members on Deployment | English and French (PDF) |
| Postal Information for MV Asterix | English |
| Postal Restrictions for All Countries | English, French |
| Postal Restrictions for United States of America | English, French |
| Canada Post Information on Morale Mail | English, French |
It is the sender’s responsibility to know what is acceptable to send in the mail to that country.
Video: How to Send a Care Package to a Military Member
This short video gives you an idea on how to send mail through the free morale mail program, through Canada Post, what you have to do to get your package ready and what is allowed and not allowed in a care package.
