Despite lockdowns and restrictions impacting community groups’ ability to fundraise throughout 2021, the Torquay RSL’s ANZAC badge and poppy appeals have exceeded expectations.
Torquay RSL president Bob Tyler thanked the community for its support and said the RSL sub-branch had been able raise $15,000 despite the challenges.
“Considering the effects of COVID restrictions and lockdowns on people, we did not expect such a result from our Badges and Poppy appeals,” he said.
“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.”
The Torquay RSL hosted a morning tea last month to thank its volunteers, which appeals officer Allen Osman said were pivotal to allowing the group to continue to do its work to support veterans and their families.
“The same volunteers have worked on these fundraising activities for years,” he said.
“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.
“From our poppy sales, we actually sent $14000 to RSL Victoria so that $7000 would go into the Victorian RSL welfare fund and $7000 returned to us for Torquay RSL’s welfare and wellbeing reserves.”
