Team members from Woolworths Echuca and representatives from RSL Victoria came together on Monday morning to launch the 2025 Poppy Appeal.
Photo by
Lua Ikenasio
Echuca had the honour of launching this year’s regional Remembrance Day Poppy Appeal on Monday, October 27.
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The annual appeal invites community members to purchase poppies, wristbands or badges, to help raise funds for veterans and their families.
Echuca RSL sub-branch president Denis Shanahan was joined by dedicated volunteers Mary Chandler and Marion Hooper at Woolworths Echuca for the launch.
RSL Victoria executive general manager of fundraising Rebecca Berg said the RSL wanted to highlight volunteers who gave their time to support the cause.
“One of the things we really wanted to shine a spotlight on this year is that we have over 3500 volunteers across the state selling poppies, and they do it for anywhere from four to two weeks out from the appeal date,” she said.
“We've got these amazing volunteers, and we really want to make sure we highlight that work as well, as part of this.”
Mrs Chandler and Mrs Hooper have been selling poppies together for decades on High St, Echuca, as the cause is a matter close to their hearts.
Mrs Chandler’s husband served in World War II as a teenager before joining the occupation forces right in the radiation zones in Japan, while Mrs Hooper’s husband served in the navy for 20 years.
With years of expertise up their sleeve, the two women passed on their expert poppy-selling skills to the younger generation of Woolworths workers.
Echuca RSL sub-branch president Denis Shanahan with volunteers Marion Hooper and Mary Chandler.
Photo by
Lua Ikenasio
Woolworths Echuca store manager David Elliott said his staff were proud to support the Appeal.
"It was fantastic having Mary and Marion in our store today,” Mr Elliott said.
“They are such a huge part of the Echuca community and seeing them share their stories and the tradition of selling Poppies, particularly with our younger team members, was really special.
“We’re proud to be selling the poppies here, knowing every dollar goes back to support veterans and their families.”
In Echuca, the community contributes around $15,000 to the Poppy Appeal each year, an effort that adds to Victoria’s total of more than $3 million.
All proceeds from the appeal will help provide veterans and their families with vital services such as emergency financial and housing assistance, advocacy for financial compensation and social inclusion.
Poppies and badges for the Poppy Appeal are available at Woolworths, Officeworks and at RSL sub-branches across Victoria.
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