LONDON -- The photographs of smiling women holding wrenches, rolling tires or showering with strategically located soap suds have already made it to the front lines with Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan.

Londoner Jennifer Merriam would like to send reinforcements.

"It is supposed to be a morale booster for them," said Merriam.

Two years ago, Merriam teamed up with Donna and Bryce Giroux to launch Pin Ups for Troops, an idea adapted from a Facebook project started by a woman in Alberta.

The trio thought many soldiers wouldn't have access to the social networking site, so they created postcard-size photos that resemble pinup pictures popular in the Second World War.

Photo shoots have been held in London, Chatham and Kitchener. The latest session in Kitchener was for male models only.

"There are ladies in the troops, so we are trying to cover all the bases. We are not trying to be biased against anybody," said Donna Giroux.

The group has shipped more than 3,000 postcards to troops in Afghanistan. They've received back photos of soldiers with the postcards on their helmets and armoured vehicles.

To raise money so they can print and send more postcard packages, the London pinup project is holding a burlesque show Aug. 15 at Call the Office. Seven performers have signed up.

"We are looking at a traditional-style burlesque rather than more modern burlesque. More modern burlesque is just glorified strip-tease," said Bryce Giroux.

The group has run into criticism. Some people have said they don't want to support the war effort in Afghanistan.

"We've made it clear that we are supporting the soldiers, who are doing their job. The military is so much more than fighting wars. They were there for the ice storm and forest fires," Donna Giroux said.

Some people hesitate when they hear the word pinup.

"You get that questioning look. We are trying to get them to understand these are not nude pictures," said Merriam.

Photographs from the group's work can be seen at www.myspace.com/londonpinups.