Torquay RSL fundraising exceeds expectations

DONATIONS from the Torquay community for the RSL Anzac badges and Poppy Appeals for this year have exceeded expectations.

Torquay RSL president Bob Tyler, who hosted veterans and war widows at a special lunch earlier this month, said the fundraising efforts had raised $15,000 this year.

“Considering the effects of COVID restrictions and lockdowns on people, we did not expect such a result from our badges and poppy appeals.

“Every cent of the $15,000 goes toward welfare and wellbeing support for our local veterans and their families.

“Some veterans, particularly those among our younger comrades, are having a hard time.

“The appeal monies are there to help those in need, and to gather veterans together in a social environment, especially those living alone or who are restricted in joining with others in RSL organised activities.”

Without a strong team of volunteers offering some of their time to sell badges and poppies, the fundraising would not have been so successful.

Mr Tyler declared that the work done by his appeals officer, Allen Osman, was an integral element in the wonderful fundraising effort.

However, Mr Osman handed all the credit to his volunteers.

“The same volunteers have worked on these fundraising activities for years,” Mr Osman said.

“Regardless of weather conditions, their age or their long-standing medical conditions, our great band of workers has been at Torquay’s main selling posts at Woolworths North Torquay, Woolworths Bristol Road, Coles at Torquay Central and Bunnings Torquay for hours on end.

“Without these stalwarts, and some younger ones now joining them, our results would not be as good.

“I am so grateful for their support and their determination to ensure those not so fortunate as themselves are looked after when the need arises.”

He said from the poppy sales, Torquay RSL sent $14,000 to RSL Victoria so that $7,000 would go into the Victorian RSL welfare fund and $7,000 would be returned to Torquay RSL’s welfare and wellbeing reserves.”

Mr Tyler recently hosted a morning tea to thank the volunteers for their great work over the course of the year.

“I am in awe of their generous donation of time and their efforts to ensure the appeals are such a success,” Mr Tyler said.