The Wangaratta RSL sub branch has raised more than $22, 000 to support Australian war veterans, but organisers have said after eftpos donations are tallied, the final count will be higher.
RSL Appeals Coordinator and Veteran Support Coordinator Colleen Davis said the fundraising had been a team effort from the entire community in Wangaratta and surrounding areas.
"All our schools, all our groups, scouts, army, girl guides, cadets they all help us out," she said.
"It is greatly appreciated, because there is so many people out there who need to use it.
"The donations that we raise from selling badges, the money always goes straight back into our veterans support.
"We may support them with education, hobbies, aids and resources in the home, mental health support, whatever they like, we will try and help them."
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She said the RSL had already assisted about 400 veterans, young and old, this year.
"There really is a lot of people we help," she said.
"Each week I would take at least three calls.
"That doesn't sound like a lot, but for a town of Wangaratta's size (it is)."
"It means a lot to them because they know there's someone there they can go and ask questions, and that we will find out and follow through.
"Just having that support is important to all of us.
Ms Davis said veterans often found it hard to ask for help.
"We tend to pick them up through a friend of a friend," she said.
"I think they have a lot of pride.
"Who likes to ask for help, none of us do, we all like to be strong and independent as long as we can be.
"It's a hard thing."
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Victoria Ellis
Victoria Ellis grew up on the Border and loves reporting for her home community. She is a University of Wollongong Journalism graduate. In 2018 Victoria was awarded the Bruce Gordon Scholarship for Journalism and completed a 10 week internship with WIN News Illawarra. In 2019 she was awarded The Border Mail's Cameron Thompson Scholarship, where she completed a three week internship, before taking up ongoing employment in 2021.
Victoria Ellis grew up on the Border and loves reporting for her home community. She is a University of Wollongong Journalism graduate. In 2018 Victoria was awarded the Bruce Gordon Scholarship for Journalism and completed a 10 week internship with WIN News Illawarra. In 2019 she was awarded The Border Mail's Cameron Thompson Scholarship, where she completed a three week internship, before taking up ongoing employment in 2021.
