Torquay RSL calls for helpers to sell poppies ahead of Remembrance Day

REMEMBRANCE Day is just over a month away, and the Torquay RSL is seeking help to sell red and purple poppies ahead of this year’s commemoration.

The 2025 Remembrance Day service will be held at Point Danger at the war memorials on November 11 from 10.40am.

Torquay RSL appeals officer Lyle Raison said red poppies would go on sale at the end of this month so people could again wear the symbol in remembrance of those who have fought and died for Australia.

He noted how important Remembrance Day was to veterans and their families.

“We would like to see poppies being worn proudly everywhere on Remembrance Day to show that we do remember the sacrifices made, and knowing every dollar raised helps ex-service people and their families whenever there is a need,” he said.

“The 11th of November is always a very special time for all Australians.

“At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, people in towns and cities throughout Australia pause to remember the sacrifices made by so many in times of war.

“It is on Remembrance Day, above all other days, that we recall the women and men who, through personal sacrifices, contributed to the evolution and identity of our country, Australia.”

He said it must never be forgotten how much Australia and Australians owed to the nation’s veterans and their families.

 

“People wearing the red poppy provide signs that we are not forgetting them.

“Money raised from the sales goes towards the RSL’s Welfare Fund.

“However, Torquay RSL is desperate for a few volunteers to step in and help with poppy sales at local venues in Torquay.”

Mr Raison, who has been a member of RSL Australia for 54 years, said Torquay’s regular poppy sellers were aging and needed help.

“Our older members can no longer do shifts selling the Red Poppies around Torquay, so we are pleading for some younger people, 65 years and lower, to help veterans and their families in and around Torquay.”

Sellers can be any adult capable of sitting at a sales point for an hour or more.

Red poppies and purple poppies go on sale from the end of October to November 10.

The purple poppies remember the number of animals that died during war helping during various conflicts through the years.

“In Torquay, poppy sellers will be at their posts at each supermarket in Torquay and North Torquay and at Bunnings, North Torquay, hopefully every day from 9.30am to 4pm each day,” Mr Raison said.

If anyone can give a few hours selling red poppies between November 1 and November 10, phone Torquay RSL on 0409 297 441 or email [email protected]