RSL Queensland delivers 700 Christmas hampers to veterans and their families

The sounds of wrapping, taping and joy filled the room as the RSL Queensland team rolled up their sleeves to pack 700 curated Christmas hampers for veterans and their families this festive season.  

Now in its fifth year, RSL Queensland’s Christmas hamper project has delivered thousands of hampers to veterans and their families across Queensland, the Northern Territory and Tasmania since 2020. 

RSL Queensland CEO Rob Skoda said the Christmas hamper initiative had become a tradition of the organisation in delivering on its mission of providing care, commemoration and camaraderie to veterans and their families. 

“The Christmas hamper initiative, in the festive season where family is important, engages with veterans and their families who may be isolated or doing it tough, to remind them that they are not alone,” Rob says. 

“When we join Defence, we join a community of people wanting to do good for our country. That mindset of community and looking after our mates is ingrained in the military, and it’s ingrained here in the RSL across Queensland.” 

Each hamper is packed full of products that are veteran-owned, have a connection to Defence or are locally sourced, as well as a handwritten Christmas card. Some of the items include tasty treats, homewares, gifts, and a supermarket gift card. 

“Every item is thoughtfully selected, making the hampers curated and meaningful. Almost half of the products are also from businesses within the veteran community or from those with a connection to Defence,” Rob explains. 

Nominated by Districts and Sub Branches across Queensland – from Coolangatta to Cairns, out west to Cloncurry and everywhere in between – recipients will receive a hamper to bring them a little extra cheer this festive season.  

“Being able to make Christmas for those on the receiving end a little more special is a privilege and one we’re incredibly proud of.”