How and where to send Care Packages to our Troops overseas for Christmas 2012Hi everyone
Here are the details for 2012. There are a few options noted below.
If you want to send your own package then it is free to post if you send in an Australia Post "BM" size box (it's about $2 to buy the box).
Cheers
Supporting our troops at ChristmasEMAIL Families and members of the public who would like to show their support to our troops serving overseas during the Christmas period can send a message to
messagestothetroops@defence.gov.au“Messages of support received at this email address are circulated widely amongst the Forces,” said Major Glyn Lofthouse from the Defence Community Organisation.
DONATE TO RSL - THEY PREPARE CARE PACKAGES“Sending an email is the fastest way of getting your message out there, but
if you would like to send a care package the best thing to do is make a donation to the RSL Australian Forces Overseas Fund,” said Major Lofthouse.
Under this fund, the RSL prepares care packages that are dispatched twice each year to Defence, Australian Federal Police and other government agency personnel deployed on operations.
“The RSL Australian Forces Overseas Fund is supported through public donations, and the packages they prepare contain Anzac biscuits, peanuts, muesli bars, lollies, a letter of appreciation on behalf of all Australians, and RSL membership contact details,” explained Major Lofthouse.
“Importantly, these packs are professionally prepared and meet all Defence and host nation transport and import requirements.”
Donations to the RSL Australian Forces Overseas Fund can be made at
www.rsl.org.auThose who would prefer to help out personnel who have been seriously wounded or families who are suffering financially or socially after the death of a spouse or a parent can contact Soldier On or Legacy to make a donation.
Make your own Christmas care packagesFrom 22 October through until 07 December, Defence is operating a specific post office box address that anyone can use to post letters, cards and small care packages to overseas troops. Defence will fund the cost of mailing these items, up to a maximum weight of 2kg.
“If you’d like to send something to the troops using this PO box address, we ask that you ensure that the parcels are
gender-neutral and addressed to ‘An Australian Defence Force Member’ rather than an individual person or unit,” said Major Lofthouse.
“This is so that we can distribute the packages fairly across our troops,” he explained.
Australian forces post office box detailsPlease address all parcels and letters to:
An Australian Defence Member
AFPO 60
Australian Defence Force NSW 2890
Defence will fund the cost of mailing these items to a maximum weight of 2kg.Important information* For postal security reasons, senders will need to present a photographic identification
* Parcels weighing up to a cubed weight of two kilograms (in a ‘BM’-sized Australia Post carton) are subsidised by Defence and can be sent
free of charge.
* For parcels exceeding this limit, the full cost will be paid by the sender.
* Articles must be packed in durable packaging, which is suitably secured, to withstand a large volume of weight and handling. Due to the long transit time and varying climactic conditions throughout the supply chain, perishable food cannot be accepted.
* Care package items most appreciated include uniquely Australian treats such as lollies, magazines, books and DVDs. Please note; some items such as alcohol, women’s magazines or other types of publications can cause offence in some locations and, as with all mail, is subject to border security. Senders should check the Australia Post website (
www.auspost.com.au) to make sure they’re not sending anything that might cause problems.
* Some items will not be sent, including cigarettes, alcohol, perfumery products and pornography. For more details, visit the Australia Post website and read their International Post Guide.
* Due to strict care requirements, relating to both their diet and their training programs,
Defence cannot accept care packages for Military Working Dogs or Explosive Detection Dogs.
* Packages containing perishable goods will not be sent.
* Donations must be submitted to an Australia Post outlet by the cut-off date of 07 December.
* Groups or organisations wishing to make bulk donations should contact 02 6266 7515 for further information
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