By Jamie Salter
The RSL Poppy Appeal ran in conjunction with Remembrance Day on Thursday 11 November to help raise vital funds to support the welfare of Australian veterans.
Berwick RSL welfare officer Barry Erlenwein said the RSL was about comradery, mateship and most importantly – welfare.
“The main thing the RSL does is look after our veterans,” Mr Erlenwein said.
“The reason we have the Poppy Appeal is to help veterans with medical and utility expenses, and ease them back into normal life by offering psychological support and employment services.
“Veterans can reach out to the Berwick RSL for help, welfare officer Ray Heathcote and I are available if anyone wants to reach out to us.”
Mr Erlenwein said the poppy appeal was just as important as the Remembrance Day service.
“Because of Covid-19 lockdowns, we haven’t been able to raise as much funds for our veterans,” he said.
“In a usual ceremony we would have between 500 to 1,000 people attend Remembrance Day.
“This year we had about 200 to 300 people.”
It has been 100 years since the first Poppy Appeal was held, according to RSL Australia.
The Poppy Appeal continues to be one of the RSL’s biggest fundraisers.
To make a donation to the Poppy Appeal, visit poppyappeal.com.au/
