20/04/2020
Beechworth RSL Sub-Branch ANZAC Appeal Media Statement
20 April 2020
Beechworth RSL Sub-Branch is urging people to donate to the ANZAC Appeal online
Beechworth RSL Sub-Branch is encouraging the public to donate to the ANZAC Appeal online this year as restrictions around non-essential travel tighten in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Beechworth RSL Sub-Branch President, John Eldrid, said “Australian's have been purchasing ANZAC badges from RSL volunteers in the lead up to ANZAC Day for almost a century. Buying and proudly wearing an ANZAC Appeal badge is as much an ANZAC tradition as attending a Dawn Service.”
“If this was a normal year, volunteers from our Sub-Branch would be out and selling ANZAC badges right now in support of the annual ANZAC Appeal. However, 2020 is not a normal year, and Victorians need to stay home to help limit the spread of COVID-19.”
We do however have ANZAC Badges on sale in the IGA, Service Station, Hardware, Beechworth Floral Designs, the Newsagent, Kellz Kitch & the Eldorado Tavern.
“Our RSL is doing its bit, and our volunteers will not be fundraising this year. If you can’t buy from one of the businesses listed above, we are asking our community to support the ANZAC Appeal by making an online donation at anzacappeal.com.au. It’s very safe and secure, and it’s easy to do in just three simple steps. Money raised through the online appeal will go where it always has – to fund vital services for veterans and families,” John Eldrid said.
RSL Victoria State President, Dr Robert Webster OAM, said that COVID-19 had increased the need for the RSL to raise funds to support veterans and families.
Dr Webster said “Many veterans are doing it especially tough. They’re struggling with social isolation, physical and mental health problems. The longer this pandemic goes on, the more acute the needs of our veterans become.”
“Please show your support for those veterans who have made sacrifices for us and donate to the ANZAC Appeal via anzacappeal.com.au this ANZAC Day,” Dr Webster said.
As has been stated in the Media, ANZAC Services will not be open to the Public this year. This doesn’t mean you can’t pay your respect and honour our Veterans and Serving Men & Women.
As the Last Post is played during the ANZAC Day Dawn Service walk outside, stand in your yard, driveway, or on your balcony and observe a minute of silence in respect of our veterans. Make sure that you snap a quick picture and share it on our page using the hashtag .
People and Organisations are still encouraged to lay a Wreath at the Cenotaph.
Gina at Beechworth Floral Designs is still taking orders for Wreaths. If you like, your Wreath can be laid either by Members of the RSL at the Private Dawn Service, or by Gina, or by yourself (complying with social distancing rules) at the Cenotaph after 8.00am on ANZAC Day.
Lest We Forget.
