Paramedics are offering a way for Winnipeggers to share a long-distance holiday cup of Joe with Canadian soldiers.

The Paramedics of Winnipeg -- MGEU Local 911, is launching the Share a Cup with a Brave Canuck Challenge to gather Tim Hortons gift cards to ship to Canadian Forces members in Afghanistan for use at the Tim's location at the Kandahar base.

"We have a soft spot in our hearts for the military, being Canada's first responders," said Winnipeg paramedic and MGEU Local 911 president Chris Broughton.

The challenge was started last year by members of Toronto Emergency Medical Services, and paramedics across the country have joined the campaign.

Winnipeg paramedics are asking those interested to purchase Tim's cards in $10 denominations and drop them off -- along with a receipt in case the card is encoded incorrectly -- at any city firehall or ambulance garage, or drop off cheques payable to Share a Cup Winnipeg and organizers will purchase cards.

"Receiving something like this when you're overseas contributes immensely to one's quality of life and to their sense of well-being and positive attitude and morale," said Capt. Vince Henderson of 17 Field Ambulance.

Organizers also encourage donors to inscribe a message for the recipient soldier on the folder that holds the gift card.

The challenge is aiming to send about 12,000 Tim's cards for use by the 2,900 Canadian Forces personnel in Afghanistan.

The deadline for donations to Winnipeg paramedics is Dec. 14. Cheques can also be mailed to Share a Cup with a Brave Canuck, c/o WFPS, second floor, 185 King St., Winnipeg, R3B 1J1.

jason.halstead@sunmedia.ca