Albany RSL launches annual Poppy Day appeal on November 1 to raise funds for veterans welfare

After a hectic but successful weekend of services, with the Charge of Beersheba on Saturday and the Nurses Remembrance on Sunday, the Albany RSL will be out on Friday for the annual Poppy Day collection.

This ties in neatly with the very positive mental welfare benefits of attending well-run commemorative service by also providing physical welfare benefits for those ex-service members and families needing financial-type assistance.

Poppy Day is one of two RSL collection days held annually, the Anzac Appeal being held in April and Poppy Day in early November.

The Anzac Appeal raises much-needed funds for the RSL (a non-profit organisation), while Poppy Day funds are quarantined for welfare needs for veterans.

The Poppy Day is co-ordinated on a state level by the RSL of WA.

Funds collected regionally are split into two, with half being held by the RSLWA welfare office and the remainder being held and used in local areas by the relevant sub-branches such as Albany.

Albany sub-branch has called on the State-controlled welfare funds on several occasions in recent years to provide support for larger requirements for veterans in the Albany region.

Locally, the Poppy Day for Albany on Friday will be coordinated by the Albany RSL sub-branch secretary, Margaret Boyd.

This follows on from a very successful Anzac Appeal run by Ms Boyd in April.

Ms Boyd has taken the reins for Poppy Day from Cliff Whittingstall and family who have run the activity in Albany for many years.

Collection points for donations will be scattered throughout the Albany CBD in areas ranging from Bunnings to Dan Murphys and all points in between.

Donors will be able to use cash or cards to assist this vital cause of “veterans welfare”.

Cash is king, but cards are welcome.

All queries regarding the Poppy Day appeal should be directed to Ms Boyd on mobile 0411 524 242 or by email to Albany secretary albany.secretary@sb.rslwa.org.au

Michael Tugwell is services director at the RSL sub-branch Albany.