Taste of home for troops
New Zealand soldiers deployed overseas won’t miss out on the taste of a Kiwi Christmas, thanks to Countdown and the RSA.
Volunteers from the supermarket, defence and charity sectors came together to pack gift parcels for the 220 New Zealand military personnel currently on overseas deployments.
The parcel packers – including schoolchildren, veterans, and several store managers from Countdown – met in the New Zealand Defence Force Sports Complex at Trentham on September 15.
The supermarket donated more than $15,000 worth of iconic Kiwi treats including Marmite, Peanut Slabs, Anzac biscuits, and the ingredients to make the summertime classic, onion dip.
Each of the parcels includes a card written by a Wellington primary school pupil.
Once packed, a complex and concerted relay involving NZ Post, DHL, Royal New Zealand Air Force and allied air forces would ensure the parcels were delivered to the overseas troops in time for Christmas.
NZDF Maritime Component Commander Commodore (CDRE) Jim Gilmour said the parcels had a long and welcome history, and provided a valuable link between deployed personnel and home.
‘‘While we enjoy the holidays at home, we have personnel deployed overseas who may be missing home,’’ he said.
‘‘These gift parcels are our way of saying how thankful we are for their service and their time away from home.’’
The RSA has sent packages to deployed military personnel for 76 years, through more than 45 operational deployments.
RNZRSA National President BJ Clark had appreciated receiving the parcels while deployed on operations in the Sinai and Antarctica.
‘‘It’s difficult to express how special it is.’’