By Derek Schlennstedt
In recent years, members of Belgrave Fire Brigade have joined the Australian Defence Force and served in the Middle East-with some still serving overseas.
Life for all service personnel can be tough, but the strain can be eased by the familiar “Mail Call”, especially if that call is a parcel from home.
So, to ease that strain Belgrave Fire Brigade is in the process of putting together 45 “goodwill” parcels, to be sent to the Middle East area of operations just in time for Christmas.
The fire brigade has two members currently serving in the air force and navy, and is hoping to send them some comforts from home, and are urging residents to do the same.
Belgrave Brigade spokesperson and firefighter Kirstin Cross said that the packages could be simple; food-related items, as well as other items to help servicemen ‘feel a little better’ and ‘lift their spirits’.
“Packages only need to be simple things like small tins of tuna, Tim Tams, rice crackers or similar and maybe sweets of some sort,” Kirstin said.
“Goodwill packages could include personal care items such as chapsticks or hand cleansers, all good for helping feel a little better in the field.”
Depending on the branch of the service, those donating items can also specify whether navy, army or air force and even male or female when addressing the carton.
To keep within weight and cubic limits, the brigade has found it best to use the Australia Post Office Box Carton ‘BX2-310x225x102mm’, which can be picked up from any Australia Post office.
Packages weighing 2kg or less and posted between November and 9 December will be shipped for free, and there is no limit to the number of parcels you can send.
Kirstin added that a small note to the recipient, something handwritten and personal would also make “a world of difference“to those on the other side of the world.
Parcels should be addressed: Australian Service Person (Navy/Army/Air Force, Male/Female, if you wish), AFPO 20, Australian Defence Force, NSW, 2890.
