Operation Christmas Box CHRISTMAS BOX 2011 LAUNCH GOES WITH A BANG! 

The television personality and journalist Lorraine Kelly ensured that the launch of Operation Christmas Box Christmas Box 2011 went with a bang at The Tower of London on 6th December.  Along with the Operation Christmas Box Trustees, sponsors, supporters and Father Christmas, Lorraine fired a ceremonial gun belonging to the Honourable Artillery Company from Tower Wharf, the traditional site of all Royal Gun Salutes.  Many members of the public visiting the Tower of London were delighted to see Father Christmas making an unscheduled stop during his busy Christmas preparations, with many requests from younger children wanting to be photographed with him.  Despite the cold weather, there was a warm glow amongst all those who witnessed the launch. 

Over 22,000 Christmas Boxes have been sent this year all over the world wherever UK Armed Forces are on operations and away from their families and loved ones at Christmas.  Those personnel wounded on operations who are in hospital on 25th December will also receive a ‘gift from the nation’.

 The photograph shows Lorraine Kelly with Father Christmas and representatives from the UK Armed Forces holding Christmas Box 2011 in front of the ceremonial gun.