Badges boost veterans and shedders

POPPY Tributes’ Ron Davis has donated hundreds of dollars raised through recent sales of his Battlefield Blue badges to support veterans and members of a local men’s shed.

Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Ballarat Sub-Branch secretary Gordon Hunt accepted a cheque for $200 from Mr Davis last week and said any donation “bolsters the coffers.”

“We’re in a situation now where our members are getting older, and more and more welfare work is required, so this assists us greatly,” he said.

Ballarat East Community Men’s Shed president Steve Andrusiak also accepted a $100 donation for his organisation.

“This will go towards keeping the place open, because the running costs firstly in this organisation are all about the guys, and looking after some of them with food access, and also it’s a go-to place,” Mr Andrusiak said.

“We’re always grateful for any community contributions because we’re trying to give back as well. The left hand feeds the right hand. We’re giving and taking.”

The sales of Mr Davis’ enamel Battlefield Blue badges at stores including Bob Jane T-Marts, Harvey Norman, and IneXterior cafe, support organisations working for the welfare of veterans and first responders, especially those who have experienced post-traumatic stress disorders.

“I’ve been doing this for six years and am just passionate about veterans who gave their life, return veterans who made sacrifices, and have a lot of admiration for our first responders,” he said.

“I just enjoy giving. I take nothing from Battlefield Blue. It helps with my mental health to give and see what it can do.

“I’d love to appeal to any other shops or cafes that would like to sell badges. I sell them every day because PTSD is an everyday suffering.”

Mr Davis also donated $50 to the Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb last week which works to raise funds to combat depression, suicide, and PTSD.