Proceeds from sale of watches helps military families

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Following the success of the Victory in Europe 60th anniversary watch in 2005, Robin Devine was approached by the Downsview branch of the Military Family Resource Centre to create a timepiece honouring Canadians serving in Afghanistan.

Since September, 600 Afghan Mission watches have been sold, with 400 still available for purchase, said Devine, president of Time is Ticking.

The watch, which sells for $65, is made by Seiko and has 24 karat raised gold plating on the face. The alligator-style leather strap is manufactured by Speidel Corporation.

Devine is donating $10 from every sale to the Military Family Resource Centre in Downsview, which assists soldiers and their families by providing education programs, bereavement counselling, daycare and re-introduction into society for returning service personnel.

"(Purchasing a watch) makes people feel they have a tangible way of showing support," Devine said. "Not only would they make great Christmas presents for friends and family, but you can also buy a watch for a soldier serving in Afghanistan."

Along with the Afghan Mission and Victory in Europe watches, Devine was also commissioned to create special watches for the OPP, City of Toronto, Toronto Fire Services, Toronto Police Services and Toronto Wildlife Foundation.

Lt.-Col. Jenny Newton said proceeds from the watch will greatly help the Military Family Resource Centre at Sheppard Avenue and Allen Road.

"I think it's a wonderful initiative," the East York resident and Toronto police sergeant said in a phone interview from Kabul, Afghanistan. "The proceeds will allow the programs to continue."

Newton, who has been overseas since June, works in the logistics branch of NATO's International Security Assistance Force.

"It's very much like policing in Toronto," she said of the conflict in Afghanistan. "In Toronto you have wonderful communities all over the place and there are small areas that have more violence. That's the way it is here. It's not the whole country going crazy."

The Afghan Mission watch can be ordered until Dec. 31. Visit www.timeisticking.ca or call 416-925-5520.