REDLANDS' newest support organisation for ex-servicemen and women has teamed up with Redlands RSL Sub Branch Women's Auxiliary to deliver care packages to struggling veterans around the south-east.
The Women's Auxiliary and Young Veterans Redlands will package and deliver bags of essential items to veterans who are living on the street, struggling financially or in hospital.
Packs include hygiene and non-perishable items including toothbrushes, deodorant and shampoo donated by Coles.
Young Veterans Redlands vice president Lee Mason said it was difficult to understand what veterans had been through so it was important to offer support wherever possible.
"We've all got our different experiences and history," he said.
"I count myself lucky to have come away unscathed but I know there are many who have not been as lucky."
President Adrian Aiple said he had struggled after returning from active service and knew what it was like to hit rock bottom.
"As I recover, I want to give back and help others," he said.
"I know what it's like for those people in those places so that's what drives me."
Redlands Women's Auxiliary has a long history of supporting servicemen and women and has previously sent care packs to serving troops in places such as Somalia, Afghanistan and Iraq.
President Cheryl Souvlis said the Women's Auxiliary had welcomed the opportunity to help Young Veterans Redlands in their latest project.
"We envisaged seeing the old with the new," she said.
"We have a lot of life experience and we can use that to support the men."
Members had been looking for a new way to support the troops.
"When (the overseas care package project) ended, a lot of the ladies felt shocked and unhappy and it caused a vacuum. It sucked the air out of support women were willing to give," Ms Souvlis said.
"Hopefully the project will progress into more things we can give for the community."
After leaving the air force when she married, Ms Souvlis said she felt there had been unfinished business and wanted to maintain a strong connection with the armed forces.
"What it means to me is the giving back and the connectedness and feeling of self-satisfaction that I've contributed to making things easier for the veterans," she said.
Young Veterans Redlands holds social nights at Redlands RSL on the first Friday of each month at 6.30pm.
