The packs are given to wounded soldiers serving overseas.
Named after the legendary story of Simpson and his donkey at Gallipoli, the packs contain a range of items such as clothing, toiletries, writing materials and a phone card to support the Australian soldiers who are wounded in the line of duty.
Among the items is a letter or card from a schoolchild offering heartfelt words of comfort and encouragement.
During a visit to Kaleen Primary School in December 2011, Victoria Cross recipient Corporal Mark Donaldson said that the said the packs had been the brainchild of a wounded Australian who had been issued with an American ''Wounded Warrior'' pack. ''The letters you guys put in there mean so much to them; in their quiet times they read through them and are reminded what their sacrifices are for,'' Corporal Donaldson VC, said.
Kaleen Primary School students have written 400 letters and cards to soldiers. “Each student has had the freedom to express their appreciation and some students have chosen to write poems, others have drawn pictures and many have included inspirational quotes to lift the spirits of Defence personnel,” Principal Grace Dunlop said. “You have never seen a group of schoolchildren take such care with something. They wanted to make sure they were absolutely perfect.”
Lieutenant Colonel Bradley Robertson, Army Headquarters, said the maturity shown by the students was to be commended. “The pure emotion that is resident within a child gives them the ability to relate a complex message in a simple letter, and they seem to have an almost adult understanding of what the soldiers are experiencing.”
Elicia Sangster, 8, had a message for our wounded soldiers that was simple yet heartfelt. “Dear Soldier, I am a year three student and am writing a letter to let you know that Australia remembers you. We are proud of you and for all you have done for this country and how brave you must be to risk your life for Australia.”