ANZAC Appeal badges go on sale

ANGLESEA RSL and more than 200 other subbranches across Victoria are gearing up for the 2019 ANZAC Appeal.

Anglesea RSL Sub-Branch president Peter Van den Hoogen said the local community got behind the appeal every year by buying an ANZAC Appeal badge.

“I am always so humbled and proud of the generosity our local community shows during the ANZAC Appeal.

“Our volunteers will be out and about selling ANZAC Appeal badges in April, please stop and make a donation to the ANZAC Appeal or buy an ANZAC Appeal badge. One hundred per cent of the proceeds will go towards supporting our veterans.”

RSL Victoria appeals manager Peter Smith said the funds raised through the RSL’s ANZAC Appeal enabled the RSL to deliver much-needed assistance to those men and women who have served our country and now needed our support.

The way in which the RSL provides that support varies from case to case, but it can include such things as assistance with medical and other household expenses such as food and utility bills, education and employment assistance, and providing advice and support with claims through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

He said the RSL was increasingly directing support towards a younger cohort of veterans.

“Traditionally we have been known to provide pension advice and advocacy on behalf of older veterans.

“But more and more, the RSL is being called on to support a new and younger cohort of veterans, those from the more recent conflicts and peacekeeping operations of East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan. In this way, we are as relevant today as we were in 1916.

“Please show your support for our veterans, both young and old. Buy an ANZAC Appeal badge or make a donation to the ANZAC Appeal,” Mr Van den Hoogen said.

You can purchase an ANZAC Appeal badge from your local RSL Sub-Branch, Woolworths, Officeworks, or from volunteer collectors in your local community from early April. You can also donate online at anzacappeal.com.au.