Media release: Support for Veterans More Critical Than Ever
Minister for Veterans Natalie Suleyman joined RSL Victoria today in calling on Victorians to help support veterans via the ANZAC Appeal as we count down to ANZAC Day.
“This is a time for all Victorians to unite and reflect on the immense sacrifices made by those who have served our country.”
“We know that veterans sometimes need a helping hand after their service ends – RSL Victoria’s ANZAC Appeal is a tangible way for Victorians to show their support and make a difference,” she said.
RSL Victoria President Dr Robert Webster explained that demand for veteran support is increasing.
“The RSL exists to support veterans and their families, and the ANZAC Appeal is the major annual fundraiser that supports veterans in the sometimes-difficult navigation of life post-service.
“The final report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide made it clear that those challenges are increasing. This is consistent with the feedback from our Sub-branch network who are reporting a growing need for their help in meeting the issues faced by the younger generations of veterans.
“The support of the RSL is needed more than ever before, so we urge the public to get involved,” implored Dr Webster.
About the ANZAC Appeal
The ANZAC Appeal is the annual public fundraiser that helps RSL Victoria support veterans.
This support includes advocacy to help gain compensation for physical and mental health injuries through service, assistance with day-to-day medical support and employment, social support for veterans and families, and programs that promote physical health and social connection like RSL Active.
Donations to the ANZAC Appeal can be made at anzacappeal.com.au
Getting involved at Woolworths
Woolworths has been a supporter of the ANZAC Appeal for more than ten years, customers purchasing 2.7 million ANZAC and Poppy Appeal products to wear and show their support for veterans and their families over this time.
The partnership has raised $13.6 million over the past 10 years, which has been distributed nationally based on where sales were generated.
“We’d like to thank Woolworths, who will help promote the Appeal and donation mechanisms across 1,100 stores in Australia,” said Dr Webster.
Woolworths will support the ANZAC Appeal via an in-store marketing campaign with a media value of $1.1million across digital screens, A4 posters, landscape point-of-sale tickets, and in-store radio.
This year’s campaign will see 20 cents for every pack of ANZAC Biscuits sold from Woolworths Bakery from April 23-25 go to the Appeal, while proceeds from Bakers Finest ANZAC Biscuits will go to RSL Australia.
ANZAC Badges
As always, Victorians are encouraged to show their support this ANZAC Appeal through donating online, or purchasing a collectable commemorative badge.
100% of proceeds from the appeals go to supporting Veterans and their families through Veteran Central – support from Ex-Service Organisations to maintain wellbeing, Health and Wellbeing Support and programs that reduce social isolation and encourage mateship, RSL Active (social networks that improve physical and mental health), Compensation Support, Financial Welfare (emergency benevolent support through a patriotic Trust Fund), Mental Heath Initiatives (suicide intervention and mental health literacy workshops), and Employment Support Services.
All badges can be viewed here: https://commemorative-badges.myshopify.com/collections/all
Information on ANZAC Day activities:
ANZAC Day Melbourne: https://rslvic.com.au/anzac-day-melbourne/
RSL Sub Branch Commemorative Services: https://rslvic.com.au/anzac-day-services-victoria/
