POPPY Tributes\u2019 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\u2019s shed.<\/p>\n
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 \u201cbolsters the coffers.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re in a situation now where our members are getting older, and more and more welfare work is required, so this assists us greatly,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Ballarat East Community Men\u2019s Shed president Steve Andrusiak also accepted a $100 donation for his organisation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis 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\u2019s a go-to place,\u201d Mr Andrusiak said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re always grateful for any community contributions because we\u2019re trying to give back as well. The left hand feeds the right hand. We\u2019re giving and taking.\u201d<\/p>\n
The sales of Mr Davis\u2019 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI just enjoy giving. I take nothing from Battlefield Blue. It helps with my mental health to give and see what it can do.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Davis also donated $50 to the Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb last week which works to raise funds to combat depression, suicide, and PTSD.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
POPPY Tributes\u2019 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\u2019s 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 \u201cbolsters the coffers.\u201d […]<\/p>\n