Shepparton RSL's vice-president Bruce Davis selling items for the Anzac Appeal to Katunga siblings Eddie Harneiss, 5, and Claire Harneiss, 5.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Even in tough times, Shepparton residents are finding a way to give, as volunteers report strong support for this year’s Anzac Appeal.
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As Anzac Day approaches, a dedicated team of volunteers are out in force across Shepparton and Mooroopna, selling badges and pens to raise funds for Australian Defence Force veterans and their families.
Items are priced from $2 to $50, with various commemorative badges available, including a 100-year anniversary pin, the Anzac star pin and a popular gold coin pin.
Funds raised through the appeal help support veterans and their families facing a range of challenges, from emergency accommodation and financial hardship to medical equipment and school fees.
Shepparton RSL Sub-Branch vice-president and appeals manager Bruce Davis said community support has been overwhelming.
“Some people are doing it really tough, but they still find a dollar or two to help our servicemen and women,” Mr Davis said.
“We don't set an amount that we hope to raise for Anzac Day or Remembrance Day, we let the public do that.”
Mr Davis said all the funds that they raised are split, with half staying in the local area and half being sent to RSL Victoria, where it can be used to address different issues across the state.
“The money is always there as a backup for veterans,” he said.
“Everything goes to the veterans ... our aim is to make sure that they're looked after, and their families are looked after.”
Mr Davis and his wife Sandy have been organising the appeal for the past 12 years.
During this time, they have raised over $1 million for veterans through the annual Anzac and Poppy appeals.
“That’s a reflection of the generosity of the people that donate,” Mr Davis said.
As a veteran himself, the Anzac Appeal is close to Mr Davis’s heart.
He encourages locals to stop by, have a chat and support the cause if they can.
Donation boxes have been placed at 40 businesses in the area, including shops, hotels, pharmacies and post offices.
Major stalls can be found at IGA, Riverside Plaza, Shepparton Marketplace and Shepparton Bunnings, as well as Woolworths, the post office and the newsagency in Mooroopna.
Displays have also been set up in schools across the region.
New volunteers are always welcome, with details about morning tea meetings available on the RSL website.
Shepparton RSL's vice president Bruce Davis selling items for the Anzac Appeal.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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