Mount Evelyn RSL and others across the state will soon be selling poppies for more than just remembrance.
RSL Victoria hopes to raise $3 million in this year’s Poppy Appeal, with 100 per cent of the proceeds to support current and former service men and women in need.
Remembrance Day this year marks 100 years since the guns fell silent on the Western Front to end The Great War.
Poppies were among the first plants to bloom in the devastated battlefields of France and Belgium, and since 1921 they’ve been used in remembrance of those who fell during times of war.
Mount Evelyn RSL Sub-Branch president Roger Boness said the Poppy Appeal was an opportunity for Victorians to come together to reflect and remember in the lead up to Remembrance Day on 11 November.
“This year, not only will we have array of poppies to sell, but to commemorate the Centenary of the Armistice we have a $30 Centenary of Armistice Poppy,” he said.
“There will also be lovingly hand-made poppies this year, made by volunteers from around Victoria.
“This November wear a poppy with pride to say thank you for our dedicated service men and women, past and present.”
RSL Victoria president Rob Webster said it was important to remember the needs of younger veterans.
“Wearing a poppy is also how we can support them and thank them for their service,” he said.
“By wearing a poppy this November, not only are you acknowledging the service and sacrifice of the men and women of the Australia Defence Force, you are raising much-needed funds to assist past and present service men and women and their dependents in times of need.”
Poppies are available from RSL sub-branches, volunteer collectors in the community, Woolworths and Officeworks stores, or donate online at poppyappeal.com.au.
