Residents of a Tamworth nursing home are making sure Australian soldiers abroad wake up to a special homemade care package on ANZAC Day.
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Uniting McKay House is packing parcels to send to troops deployed overseas as part of an initiative run by the Department of Defence.
ANZAC Day is a special celebration for many of the nursing home residents, lifestyle co-ordinator at Uniting Sally Abra said.
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"Many of our residents have either served in the forces or they've had a parent, or a father, or a husband that they've lost during one of the wars, so the ANZAC thing is really important to them," she said.
The group have been taking donations from staff members, visitors and residents to put in the packages, based off a list sent out by the department.
"Things that remind them of home are always a good addition for the soldiers deployed in another country, like Tim-Tams and Vegemite," Ms Abra said.
However, the residents will be adding their own personal touch by including hand-written notes.
"Things like, thanking the soldiers for what they're doing and to let them know that we're thinking of them ... and what they're doing for our country," Ms Abra said.
"I think doing it personally, from us to them, one on one will be really encouraging," she said.
"The troops are far away but we can still have an intimate connection with them."
Uniting McKay House is making up five packages for five soldiers, while Uniting Alblas Lodge is making up another five.
Ms Abra said they are unsure where the parcels are destined for, but said she hopes no one misses out when the packages arrive.
The personal connection with the defence force for many of the residents has given them a great interest in the project, she said.
"It's that overwhelming sense of pride ... what a really blessed country we live in because of the veterans."
But for others, it can still be a "struggle" to talk about ANZAC Day.
The packages will leave Australia in the next week.
Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald. Email: afalkenmire@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald. Email: afalkenmire@austcommunitymedia.com.au
