Christmas for the Troops 2014

Christmas is fast approaching and with more than 2,200 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel deployed overseas on operations Australians are being asked to spare a thought for our troops who won’t be able to spend Christmas with their families and friends.

Federal Member for Mitchell, Alex Hawke, said the best and most effective way to show support is to send an email message to the troops at supportthetroops@defence.gov.au.

“Messages are always appreciated by ADF personnel and sending a message that simply says ‘thank you for your service’ can have a tremendous positive impact,” said Alex Hawke.

“This year I am also asking the community to consider donating to ex-service organisations such as the RSL, Legacy and Soldier On in recognition of the increasing numbers of recently returned veterans.”

Ex-Service Organisations such as the RSL, Legacy and charities such as Soldier On provide phenomenal support to our ADF personnel, past and present, and their families. I strongly encourage residents in the electorate of Mitchell looking to make a difference in the lives of ADF personnel and veterans to consider donating to one of these excellent organisations.”

Donations can be made to Legacy (www.legacy.com.au) or Soldier On (www.soldieron.org.au) to support those personnel who have been wounded on operations and those family members who are suffering financially and socially from the death of a loved one.

For those still wishing to send a care package, the Australian Forces Post Office box address below will be open from 3 November until 8 December 2014.

An Australian Defence Member

AFPO 60

Australian Defence Force NSW 2890

Those who wish to send a care package but are short on time may like to consider donating money to the RSL’s Australian Forces Overseas Fund. The RSL provides care packages to Australian troops as well as Australian Federal Police personnel biannually and your support would contribute to this valuable programme. Please see my website for further details regarding the RSL’s Australian Forces Overseas Fund.

“This Christmas I urge all Australians to again dig deep and support our serving men and women and their families whose sacrifices ensure our safety and security,” concluded Alex Hawke MP.

All items must be submitted to an Australia Post outlet by the cut-off date of 8 December 2014. Further details regarding requirements and restrictions can be found below:

A care package can be sent free of charge to the below AFPO address so long as it strictly complies with Australia Post guidelines.

In order to qualify for free postage, care packages can weigh no more than 2kg (cubed) and should be packaged within a “BM” size box, which is available from Australia Post for approximately two dollars. You will also be required to present photographic identification, fill in some customs forms and it is suggested that you use a liberal amount of packing tape to ensure that all of the contents arrive at their destination.

In order to ensure parcels reach the widest possible number of personnel, please ensure they are gender neutral and address all parcels to “An Australian Defence Member” and not to a specific job title, trade or unit.

Additionally, please note that Defence cannot accept care packages for Military Working Dogs or Explosive Detection Dogs due to their strict diet and training requirements.

The unique Australian Forces Post Office (AFPO) box will be open from 3 November until 8 December 2014. In order to ensure the packages reach the troops by Christmas, all packages should be lodged with Australia Post no later than 8 December 2014.

·         Anzac biscuits

·         Salted peanuts

·         Muesli bars

·         Instant Noodles

·         Lollies

·         Small tinned consumables

·         Other commercially manufactured and packaged foods that are non- perishable

Toiletries

·         Deodorant (non aerosol)

·         Shaving cream (non aerosol)

·         Small bottle of talcum powder

·         Disposable razors

·         Shower Gel

·         Lip Balm

Other ideas

·         Magazines – from Vogue and Women’s Weekly to Men’s Health and Wheels

·         Puzzle books

·         DVDs

·         Socks

·         Letters of support

·         Posters and letters from school children

·         Stamped, self addressed envelope – this way personnel can thank you for the package

What not to include

·         Pornographic material

·         Alcoholic beverages

·         Any food prepared or cooked at home, including cakes and biscuits

·         Clothing (except socks)

·         Pork products

·         Cigarettes

·         Perfumery products