Christmas mission

By Lia Bichel
SOLDIERS stationed overseas will get a special Christmas treat from home, thanks to the Commando Association and City of Greater Dandenong residents.
After five years of building up their welfare fund, the Victorian chapter of the Commando Association decided to utilise some of the money raised to send Christmas packages to soldiers stationed overseas.
“It’s part of a morale system,” former Commando Association president Bruce O’Connor said.
“We wanted to let (the soldiers) have a bit of Christmas cheer while they are away,” he said.
The committee appealed to local businesses and residents to donate funds or gifts for the Christmas packages.
Because of privacy issues, Mr O’Connor was unable to say how many packages were collected and where they were sent to, but said he was pleased with the result.
“Everyone was excited about helping out,” he said.
“We had a few businesses who donated materials for the packages. They are made up of things the soldiers wouldn’t normally get – like books and chocolate; comfort things.”
Mr O’Connor said the Commando Association hoped to make the special deliveries every year and encouraged others to get involved.
He said the donations were not tax deductible but could be made to the treasurer at Patriarch Welfare Funds W528, Po Box 1367, Hawksburn, Victoria 3142.
“Any donation would be gratefully received,” he said.