300 Christmas gift boxes are being packed for our Defence Forces serving overseas.
A slice of Kiwiana is being packed up for every New Zealand soldier, sailor and Air Force member deployed on overseas operations this Christmas.
The 300 parcels are stuffed with Christmas gifts including Marmite, chocolate, biscuits and cards made by primary school students.
They have been packed in Upper Hutttoday in an assembly line of military personnel, RSA members, Mt Cook students and local businesspeople.
Warrant Officer Clive Douglas and Captain Melissa Ross help to pack parcels for New Zealand Defence Force personnel deployed overseas on six continents this Christmas. Photo / NZDF
NZ Joint Forces Deputy Commander Kevin McEvoy said he received similar packages at Christmas in the past and they made him feel less alone.
"They make a real difference to people on the other side of the world missing their families at a time when families and friends are important.
Eddie Nhim of Mount Cook School helps to pack parcels for the troops serving overseas. Photo / NZDF
"They might be sitting in the middle of nowhere and by themselves."
Year 8 Mt Cook School student Alyssa Ta said two years ago a woman from the Air Force received a card from her and then came to visit when she returned to New Zealand.
"She said that it reminded or her of home, and that people were thinking of her back at home, and that it was the most amazing feeling ever."
