The Swan Hill RSL have been selling Anzac Day badges since 1952 and this year was no different.
Dedicated volunteers from the RSL have been selling the badges for more than a month, raising valuable funds for veterans, service people and their families.
Swan Hill RSL secretary Judy Chaplin said selling badges for Anzac Day was a tradition that dated back many years.
“Each we year we sell between 3000 and 4000 badges,” she said.
“We started this year on March 20 when we gave them to local motels to sell.”
The RSL sell a variety of different badges, ranging in price from $1 to $50.
This year, the younger generation also helped with the fundraising initiative.
“Many schools in the area sold pins for us this year,” Ms Chaplin said.
She said there were a few new badges on offer this year which commemorated 100 years since the Australian Light Horse campaign.
“We’re hoping to raise over $10,000 this year.
“All the money raised will go to veterans’ welfare, to support current and former service people and their families.”
She said Anzac Day pins were a simple way for people to show they cared.
“It’s amazing how many expensive pins we have sold,” she said.
“When you see all the $1 and $2 pins left over, that’s when you know people have a lot of respect.
“Some people will also just make donations instead of purchasing the pins.
“They have been very generous.”
To read more about this story, grab a copy of Monday’s Guardian (April 24).
