Members of the Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (ASEME)  traded tools for tinsel, joining forces with community volunteers to deliver the 30th Albury Wodonga children’s Christmas party.

The festive celebration last month welcomed more than 700 children with disabilities, ensuring each of them enjoyed a day they won’t soon forget.

Twelve ASEME staff and trainees volunteered their time, eagerly assisting with preparation in the days leading up to the event and throughout the day.

Warrant Officer Class Two (WO2) Jesse Sutherland said it was a worthy and rewarding cause.

“Greeting kids at the door, handing out toys, seeing their faces light up - it’s a wholesome experience,” WO2 Sutherland said.

ASEME’s involvement in the special day began in 1995 when a member with a special needs child rallied the school to offer a helping hand – now it’s a proud tradition.

The set-up for the event is no small feat. Five basketball courts are transformed into themed zones - a toy room stacked three metres high with gifts and goodies, craft stations, a lunch space and an entertainment stage complete with Christmas trees, decorations and Santa’s chair.

ASEME members also helped inflate jumping castles and prepare activity stations.

“Our trainees jumped at the chance to volunteer - they’d do it again in a heartbeat,” WO2 Sutherland said.

Event coordinator Duryarne Streat said the mammoth task would be impossible to complete without the efforts of ASEME volunteers.

“Sometimes these kids get lost in the crowd, but this is their time to shine. It’s just for them - activities and experiences that make them feel special,” Ms Streat said.

Throughout the day, ASEME members handed out toys, accompanied families in activities, and posed for photos with children thrilled to see soldiers in uniform.

“It’s a tradition of community and care,” WO2 Sutherland said.