Australian Forces Overseas Fund
In honour of those who came before, we support those who serve today.
Honour the past.
Support the present.
Donate to the Australian Forces Overseas Fund (AFOF) and send a care package to Australians deployed on military operations overseas.
A $25 donation will enable RSL Australia to send a care package filled with Aussie treats and a letter of appreciation to one of our deployed service men or women. A small but powerful way to say thank you for their service.
Your donation is tax-deductible.
Donations are collected via PayPal, a secure online system which allows you to donate via debit or credit card or PayPal account.
Honouring the past
For more than a century, Australians have sent care packages to troops serving far from home. From WWI to today’s missions around the world, these small bundles of comfort have carried snacks, letters, and a powerful message: We’re thinking of you. Please come home safely.
During the Vietnam War, the RSL sent Christmas parcels to members of the Australian Army, providing comfort and a reminder of home. This initiative led to the establishment of the Australian Forces Overseas Fund (AFOF), ensuring ongoing support for our deployed personnel.
This tradition continues today. Twice a year, RSL Australia, with the help of dedicated volunteers, prepares care packages for Australians serving overseas.
It’s a mission made possible entirely by the generosity of the public, through donations to the Australian Forces Overseas Fund (AFOF). Whether you’re honouring a loved one, a veteran, or the spirit of service itself, your donation continues this proud legacy.
Leave a personal message
When you donate, you’ll have the option to include a personal message:
“In honour of my grandmother, who served as a nurse in WWII.”
“In tribute to all Australians who’ve served — past and present.”
These messages will be displayed on our supporters page — connecting your gift to the bigger story of service and support.
Support the Present
ADF members who’ve received care packages often write to us to let us know that your donation has a real impact.
“Thank you for the AFOF Christmas care packages we each received. Your support is deeply appreciated. For many of our team, this was their first Christmas deployed away from home, and in several cases, their first operational deployment. The packages were a tangible recognition of their service, a deeply meaningful gesture that solidifies the connection between the current and former serving, and wider Australian communities.”
— Jorge
“The RSL Care Packages are well appreciated by our ADF personnel. I received one whilst on deployment at the MEAO, March to October 2007 that I thoroughly enjoyed. These days I am now involved with my local RSL providing support to veterans as an Advocate and involved with the committee. Thank you RSL Australia.”
— Judith
“Thank you for your amazing ANZAC Day care packages, they were greatly appreciated by our team over here in Bahrain. Our whole team really appreciate your kind words and support for our service, we all feel very proud to be wearing these uniforms and doing the jobs that we do for our country”.
— Kate
“I was fortunate to receive a number of care packages whilst deployed. It was such a humbling experience, knowing that Aussies a million miles away took the time to think of me.”
— Miquela
Our Mission
Raise funds for 400 care packages by 30 June 2025
We pack and send around 400 care packages twice a year.
This month, we’re raising funds for the next pack in September, which should reach troops in time for Christmas. Each $25 donation brings us one step closer.
It's an enormous undertaking, only made possible by donations and the volunteers who come together to pack the care packages at the 39 OSB Randwick Barracks in Sydney.
Help us reach our goal!
