A HANDFUL of veterans have marked Remembrance Day with ceremonies as a big donation eased some of the pressure on the Bendigo RSL's help programs.
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The RSL is one of many across the country that have seen hits to their previous Anzac Day fundraising for veteran support programs.
A number of RSL leaders have expressed concerns that the Remembrance Day Poppy Drive could see similar issues, though they were hoping easing social distancing restrictions would help.
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An $8000 check presented on Wednesday afternoon and a recent $25,000 government grant has helped the group to re-launch a number of support and fitness programs, RSL Bendigo president Peter Swandale said.
"We rely so heavily on the Anzac and Poppy appeals. They are what drives our veteran services," he said.
"At the Bendigo RSL we supplement that through our commercial operations (at Havilah Road, Long Gully), which are currently closed because of the coronavirus."
Fosterville's Kirkland Lake Gold mine donated $8000 after employee Matt Hawtin won a Melbourne Cup charity sweep.
Mr Hawtin chose to donate the winnings to the Bendigo RSL.
"I'm an army brat. Most of my family are military, some are veterans," he said.
"The RSL has been really good to them."
More donations are expected as the Poppy Appeal finishes and results are tallied.
That will include $3600 raised by the Real Estate Institute of Victoria through fundraising outside the Bendigo Original Pie Shop in Hargreaves Mall.
The group was among those able to fundraise for the RSL out the front of shops for the first time this year as COVID-19 social distancing restrictions continued to ease.
The Bendigo RSL's Remembrance Day service broke with tradition this year and took place in Havilah Road, rather than outside Pall Mall's Soldiers Memorial Institute.
It was also invite only to avoid the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
Ten people were present but the event was livestreamed on the Bendigo RSL's Facebook page.
"I'm just happy to have a service," Mr Swandale said.
"I think that's the most important thing - to have a service which acknowledges those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice throughout all wars."
To donate to the Poppy Appeal visit www.appeals.bendigorsl.com.au
Tom O'Callaghan
I grew up in Bendigo and I want to tell your stories.
I grew up in Bendigo and I want to tell your stories.
