RSL in SOS for peace parcels

By Shaun Inguanzo
DANDENONG RSL is calling upon the community to donate writing pads and pencils that it will send to troops in East Timor and Iraq to hand out to local children.
Dandenong RSL welfare committee chairman John Filmer said troops on peace keeping missions often handed the pads and pencils to children in local villages which helped maintain the reputation of Australian forces as kind and respectful.
Mr Filmer said Dandenong RSL had just sent 600 pads and almost the same number of pencils to troops in East Timor as part of special relief packages the RSL has created.
Along with the gifts for local children, the packages contained magazines and other reading material to keep troops entertained.
Mr Filmer said local Australia Post outlets had so far been incredibly generous by supplying envelopes, pads and pencils either for free or at heavily discounted prices.
He encouraged other businesses and individuals to show their support for the hard work of Australian troops currently serving overseas.
“This is the start of the support for our troops serving overseas in various parts of the world, both in war and peacekeeping,” Mr Filmer said.
“We have already got feedback about how appreciative they are, and it would be terrific if the public could show some more support, particularly companies willing to donate writing pads and pencils or reading materials.”
Anyone wishing to donate can contact John Filmer at the Dandenong RSL on 9792 1535.