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CONTACT BOB
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CHRISTMAS FOR THE TROOPS 2011
Bob Baldwin, Member for Paterson is encouraging local residents to consider sending a special care package to our troops this festive season.
“Christmas is a special time for all Australians and provides most of us with a much needed opportunity to spend some precious time with family and friends,” said Mr Baldwin.
“During the holiday season it is important to spare a thought for those who will not be with their families this Christmas, like the thousands of Australian troops serving overseas, including a number from RAAF Base Williamtown.
“To show your support for the troops this Christmas you can send them a care package, free of charge, through Australia Post.
“Australia Post allows free delivery for packages weighing no more than 2kg (cubed) to our soldiers on the front line.
“When sending your parcel do not forget to include a letter of support to the troops and include a stamped self addressed envelope so they can send a letter back to you. Parcels can be sent to an Australian Soldier / Sailor / Airman / Airwoman. For something different, you may also like to send a care package to one of the Explosive Detection Dogs, but don’t forget to include a treat for the handler. Please see below for further details regarding postage,” said Mr Baldwin.
Mr Baldwin added that for those who would like to contribute locally, there are dozens of organisations assisting those who do not have family nearby or require assistance over the holidays. Lifeline, St Vincent de Paul Society, Salvation Army and Meals on Wheels all offer an invaluable service to the community. These organisations and many more are always looking for a spare pair of hands.
“I urge you to take some time to think of those less fortunate in the community these holidays. If you are going away or staying home this Christmas I wish you and your loved ones a safe holiday and Happy New Year. Merry Christmas,” said Mr Baldwin.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Australia Post offers a free postal service for care packages, up to 2kg (cubed), to all Australian Forces Postal Offices (AFPO). This service includes our forces in the Middle East, including Afghanistan, as well to East Timor and the Solomon Islands. Including a stamped self addressed envelope will also allow the recipient to send a letter of thanks back to the sender.
How to Donate
Care packages can be sent free of charge to the below AFPO addresses so long as they strictly comply with Australia Post guidelines. Packages can be sent to either male or female personnel and even to an Explosive Detection Dog.
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 fill out 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 the packages reach the troops by Christmas, packages must be received by Australia Post no later than Monday 5th December 2011 for packages being sent to the Middle East AFPO and by Friday 9th December 2011 for packages being sent to all other AFPOs.
Address Details
To send a care package to an ADF member in the Middle East (including Afghanistan), address the package to the following.
An Australian Soldier / Sailor / Airman / Airwoman
Christmas Mail
Middle East Operations
AFPO 60
Australian Defence Force
SYDNEY NSW 2890
To send a care package to an Australian Explosive Detection Dog in Afghanistan, address the package to:
An Australian EDD Handler
Christmas Mail
Middle East Operations
AFPO 60
Australian Defence Force
SYDNEY NSW 2890
To send a care package to an ADF member in East Timor, address the package to the following.
An Australian Soldier / Sailor / Airman / Airwoman
Christmas Mail
East Timor Operations
AFPO 61
Australian Defence Force
SYDNEY NSW 2890
To send a care package to an ADF member in the Solomon Islands, address the package to the following.
An Australian Soldier / Sailor / Airman / Airwoman
Christmas Mail
Solomon Islands Operations
AFPO 62
Australian Defence Force
SYDNEY NSW 2890
What can be included in Care Packages
Be creative with donations while being mindful of Australia Post’s guidelines for the free delivery of care packages. Some suggestions are listed below, as are the general restrictions.
What not to include
· Pornographic material
· Alcoholic beverages
· Clothing (except socks)
· Pork products
· Cigarettes
· Chocolate (due to heat)
Messages for the troops
To express your support through a simple letter, email:
messagestothetroops@defence.gov.au
Please ensure you include your name, suburb and state at the top of the email message. Defence may publish your letter on Defence websites and social media sites so the message reaches more ADF members and their families. Personal details of the sender are not published.
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