Kiwis provide packages to CARE

POSCS Nick ‘Crash’ Hunter gives supplies transported to Afghanistan to Lee Thorburn, a NZ nurse from Lower Hutt at Care Hospital, Kabul, Afghanistan. WN08-0046-01

The Liaison National Officer (LNO) team of Major Simon Strombom and Petty Officer Seaman Combat Specialist (POSCS) Nick “Crash” Hunter, part of the task group based at ISAF HQ Kabul, delivered aid packages to the CARE hospital in Kabul recently.

The hospital is a privately funded facility with around 3000 patients treated a month. It started from a bombed out shell and now, with the help of international donations, provides effective basic care to the locals.

The packages were organised through local donations in New Zealand and with NZDF assistance were sent with the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction team on their latest rotation to Afghanistan.

The supplies were delivered to the National Support Element at Bagram and then onto NZDF personnel in Kabul. The Kabul-based personnel added some of extra toys to complement the gift packages.

The LNO team was given a tour of the complex and the various facilities it offers. It is one of the few places in Kabul that has its own blood bank and laboratory.

POCSC Hunter said:

“It’s good to be able to deliver help the people here and see the results of the assistance we are providing. You also get the chance to see an organisation that is making a real difference here supported by Kiwis”

ENDS