A tradition of giving: RSL Queensland’s Christmas hampers bring festive cheer to veterans and their families

The RSL Queensland team packed hundreds of hampers for veterans across Australia

The project, which has been running since 2020, has now delivered thousands of hampers to veterans and their families across Queensland, the Northern Territory and Tasmania. 

The hampers – which are delivered to veterans and their families who are doing it tough and in need of that bit of extra care over the festive season, are an important part of RSL Queensland delivering on its mission to provide care, commemoration and camaraderie to veterans and their families.

“Just because you leave the Defence Force doesn’t mean you leave behind the community and the culture of looking after your mates,” RSL Queensland CEO Robert Skoda says. 

The hampers are packed with a wide range of goodies for veterans and their families

“The Christmas hamper initiative is incredibly important to us. It gives us the chance to not only show up for mates doing it tough but also support veterans who become business owners in their life after Defence.” 

Each item in the Christmas hampers has been thoughtfully sourced from local and Australian businesses, including many owned by veterans or with connections to the Defence community. 

Giving back to the veteran community 

One of those suppliers is Army veteran and woodworker Kerry Corney. After leaving the Army, Kerry joined his father-in-law in his retirement hobby of woodturning. Eight years later, Kerry is selling his pieces online and taking part in RSL Queensland’s Christmas hamper initiative for the second year – providing 600 bespoke wooden bowls.

“I love being part of this project,” he says 

“Whilst it was a little daunting last year, I’m so excited to be involved again. Knowing that my creations are given to veterans and their families is really special.” 

The wooden bowls provided by Kerry Corney for this year's hamper project

Another supplier is Navy veteran Sacha de Wit. Sacha’s designed and embroidered tea towels began as a hobby, but the passion project has now grown to include a website, a permanent shelf at the Cooroy Butter Factory, and inclusions in RSL Queensland’s Christmas hampers. 

“It is honestly a privilege to be involved in a project like this that gives back to veterans and their families,” she says. 

Iconic Queensland brand Bundaberg Brewed Drinks has been a supporter of the initiative since the start, generously donating a range of premium non-alcoholic beverages every year including its signature Ginger Beer.  

Bundaberg Brewed Drinks CEO John McLean says the project is one they are honoured to support as the festive season approaches. 

“This marks our sixth year supporting RSL Queensland’s Christmas hamper initiative, and it’s something we’re incredibly proud to contribute to,” John says. 

Each hamper features a selection of Bundaberg Brewed Drinks 

“Our brewed drinks are all about bringing people together and creating moments of joy, so being part of this project is a meaningful way to share that spirit. 

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to give back and spread some Christmas cheer with those who have given so much for our country.” 

Supporting veterans across Queensland 

From Weipa to Wynnum, Mount Isa to Mudgeeraba, hamper recipients are nominated by RSL Districts and Sub Branches, ensuring that little bit of extra sparkle makes it to all corners of the state.  

The Christmas hampers project has become a tradition for RSL Queensland

Reflecting on the impact the Christmas hamper project has had since its inception, Robert says knowing that we’re bringing a little extra Christmas joy to veterans and their families is a great privilege.

“It’s about so much more than the hamper. It’s about supporting those that need our assistance and making sure them and their families know that just because they aren’t in uniform anymore, they’re still part of the community.