Story: Gary Fry
The Armidale and District Sub-branch of the National Servicemen’s Association has just wrapped up Round 1 of its appeal to show Australian military personnel, who are serving in Afghanistan, that they are in the thoughts of locals.
Over recent months, the Nasho’s collected items for care parcels to be sent to Australian troops who are serving their country in Afghanistan.
The gesture is sure to mean a great deal, according to Vice-President of the Armidale and District Sub-branch of the National Servicemen’s Association, Barry Dawson.
“Our appeal had a slow start. The Armidale Ex-Services Memorial Club assisted greatly with a display in the Club’s foyer. That was a game-changer.
“Close to 50 care packages were made up and have been dispatched,” Mr Dawson said. “Weight has been the challenge for us. Two kilograms or less and we can send the packages for free.
“We had a range of goodies, including peanuts, potato chips, vegemite, reading material, playing cards, even trivial pursuit questions.”
While the items that make the packages have been practical, Mr Dawson emphasised that it is the gesture that will be appreciated. “I was in the second phase of National Service but wasn’t deployed to Vietnam. Most of the people who went to Vietnam, as many would recall, did not get a real good welcome when they returned home. This is to give support to Australians serving in Afghanistan right now. Thankfully, these days, they do get a welcome home. These packages will show our support for them while they are over there. It’s not about the politics of whether or not we think they should be there.”
Mr Dawson thanked all community members who contributed but said that the appeal continues. “We’d like the community to keep donating. We will probably have another packaging and dispatch working bee around ANZAC Day, 2013.”
Donations of money and goods can be left at the Armidale Ex-Services Club.
Suggestions for care package contents include confectionery (other than chocolate), non-aerosol toiletries, vegemite (in a tube, not a glass jar), stationery, playing cards and puzzles etc. Discouraged items include alcohol, tobacco, cakes of soap and fresh meat/produce etc.
