Many of our Returned Services League (RSL) Clubs rely on the support of the community to keep them financially viable. They support the veteran community with weekly social activities, support programs, community events and is a place that makes many veterans feel safe and at home. ANZAC Day is on the top of the list of commemorative events for the veteran community and is the day when we all meet at our local RSL for a beer or two. Unfortunately with the current COVID-19 restrictions many of our RSL Clubs are not able to open, and some will unfortunately close down, forever.
ANZAC Day is the time we take to 'buy a mate a beer'.
It's the time to check in on a mate, to commemorate those that are no longer with us, to thank those that have served and are currently serving our country and to remember the Spirit of ANZAC an enduring quality in our community today.
This year, on ANZAC Day there won't be anyone in the Riverton RSL Club. There won't be beers poured, there won't be two-up, there won't be banter and there won't be any veterans. Because we won't be filling our local RSL this year, I propose that instead we donate the money we would have used to buy 'that' beer to the Riverton RSL to help them through this tough time.
Be sure you pop down in the comments who you are buying that beer for and hopefully they'll buy the second round.
All funds will be donated to the Riverton RSL Club, a community that has been integral in shaping my own military journey. ANZAC Day means so much to me, my mates and to those from Riverton RSL Club that have been a part of my military life even before I knew it was a part of me.
I would like to raise a glass to you, reading this note, and thank you for your commitment in keeping the ANZAC Spirit alive today.