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National | New Zealand Defence Force

Christmas packages to be sent to NZ troops overseas

The RNZRSA, New Zealand Defence Force and Countdown are joining forces to deliver Christmas packages and messages to our servicemen and women serving abroad.

On September 29, NZDF military attendees in uniform, as well as members from the RNZRSA and NZDF, Countdown staff, parents and children from the Trentham Military Base, and pupils from the Mt Cook Primary School will come together to produce these special packages to send to our troops deployed on operational missions worldwide.

BL Clarke, RSA NAtional President says “This tradition started in the 1940s and has stood the test of time because it means so much to the troops abroad and their families here in New Zealand. It’s difficult being so far from home during such a special holiday, and we want to show our appreciation for the hard work they are doing overseas.”

Over 200 boxes, including products donated by Countdown will be packaged.

Last year, a survey was conducted of all the serving personnel who received their parcels. They were grateful, particularly for the items that had a 'taste of home'.

A Christmas card from students at Mt Cook Primary will also be included.

Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant ,Tim Keating adds “The New Zealand Defence Force has a number of deployments around the world, often in difficult and dangerous places. Our personnel are far away from home and family, and this excellent gesture will be very much appreciated by our people.”

Service men and women are currently situated overseas as part of operational missions in Afganistan, Antarctica, the Combined Maritime Force, Iraq, Middle East, Sinai, South Korea and South Sudan.

You can follow the RSA on Twitter and Facebook to find out more.