Shepparton and Mooroopna residents dug deep for this year’s Anzac Appeal, raising $74,000 locally.
All money raised from the sale of Anzac badges and merchandise in the lead-up to Anzac Day goes towards helping veterans and their families.
Shepparton RSL sub-branch vice-president Dan Gleeson thanked all those who donated to this year’s appeal.
“We’re absolutely thrilled with that amount of money raised,” he said.
“It shows how the community respects veterans so much.”
Mr Gleeson also gave special thanks to those who organised the appeal and those who volunteered to sell the badges.
“Thanks to all the volunteers headed by Sandy and Bruce Davis,” he said.
“Some (of the volunteers) have grown up in the military and have been affected by it, others just want to help.”
Half of the $74,000 remains in Shepparton to be used locally, while the other half is sent to Melbourne and is then used to fund needed projects for veterans throughout the state.
The money is used locally with helping veterans in need with anything from school fees for their children, to buying food and clothing, helping with transport to doctor’s appointments, and on activities to keep veterans active and to get them out of the house and socialising.
Mr Gleeson encouraged any Australian Defence Force veterans who were struggling and needed some help, to reach out to the Shepparton RSL Veteran’s Centre on 5831 7220.