IF YOU’RE at an Anzac service this Saturday, members of the RSL are hoping that you will have a special pin somewhere on your person.
The RSL is encouraging all Australians to buy a badge this week to wear with pride on Anzac Day and Swan Hill RSL is aiming to top 2013’s record total of $16,000.
Swan Hill RSL sub branch vice president Wayne Munro believes that the publicity around this year’s Anzac Day will encourage Swan Hill residents to dig deep during this year’s badge appeal.
“I think the more they’re aware of the 100th anniversary [since Anzac troops landed at Gallipoli] the more they will buy,” said Mr Munro.
At Mr Munro’s stall outside Coles, the $5 pens and badges are the most popular items.
Another RSL volunteer Frank Ballam has been manning a RSL badge stall on Campbell Street — starting at 8am some mornings.
He said the RSL Anzac badge drive appealed to locals because “you know where the money is going”.
“All of it goes back to the RSL, and a lot of it goes back to the locals,” Mr Ballam said.
“It’s one of the great things about the badge appeal.”
RSL sub branch senior vice president Peter Ritchie said the demand for badges had been such that more were delivered from Melbourne yesterday.
“Please buy a badge,” Mr Ritchie said.
“It will help our welfare immensely.”
Mr Ballam echoed these sentiments, saying “the more we can get the more we can give away”.
The badge appeal continues tomorrow and Friday, with RSL volunteers at Aldi, Coles, Woolies and SportsPower.
There are merchandise boxes at the library, the Pioneer Settlement, Alcheringa, Jacaranda Lodge, the RSL and the multi-use centre on Gray Street.
For more on this story pick up a copy of Wednesday’s Guardian (April 22).
