This National Police Remembrance Day, the minds of many Victorians will turn to the four officers who lost their lives on a Melbourne freeway in April.
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Blue Ribbon Foundation North East branch president Graeme Simpfendorfer said like so many people in the community, Victoria Police officers had not been able to grieve properly due to COVID-19 restrictions.
"The large service that would usually be held couldn't happen," he said.
"Blue Ribbon Day holds a special place in the hearts of Victorians, because it's the community's chance to pay tribute to our police, to its members who have paid the ultimate price and to acknowledge all those who continue to serve."
Blue Ribbon Day is September 29, which is National Police Remembrance Day, and this year Woolworths is supporting fundraising.
"Traditionally people would buy a blue ribbon or some merchandise online; this year Woolworths has come on board to help us," Detective Sergeant Simpfendorfer said.
"It's great to have their support.
"Every cent that is donated to the Blue Ribbon Foundation through our Woolworths stores will stay with us in the North East."
The Wodonga detective took over the presidency of the North East branch in August last year, from Senior Sergeant Colleen Sheridan.
Ten million dollars has been raised for Victorian public hospitals since the Foundation first launched Blue Ribbon Day in 1999, following the deaths of Senior Constable Rodney Miller and Sergeant Gary Silk.
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Detective Sergeant Simpfendorfer said the foundation was also trying to have public spaces turned blue.
"Everyone's struggling, if people do have something to give, the comfort can be that it goes into their local community," he said.
"Now more than ever, we need to be supporting our healthcare system."
People will be able to donate at any Woolworths Store in Victoria or online at www.remember.org.au.
