The National Effort for Welfare in the East Indies (Nationale Inspanning Welzijnsverzorging Indië, NIWIN) was a charity for the welfare of the Dutch troops in Indonesia. With its slogan ‘Our hearts are with them’, the organization offered the soldiers moral support, for example by sending Christmas packages with luxury items such as cigarettes and chocolate. It was expensive sending such packages given the shortages and austerity of the post-war period, so donations were needed. The packages were intended to boost the morale of the Dutch troops stationed so far from home and give them a touch of the Netherlands. Pre-addressed cards were sent with the packages so that the soldiers could thank the home front personally.
‘Aan onze mannen en vrouwen in Indië’. Poster for the Christmas package campaign of Nationale Inspanning Welzijnsverzorging Indië (NIWIN). c. 1946. Printer: Intenso, Amsterdam. Dimensions: 75.5 x 107.5 cm. Or. 27.433.