By NICOLE VALICEK
This November Altona RSL president Alan Scott is asking people to buy a poppy and ’Remember in November’. 107436 Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI
THIS November the Altona RSL is asking people in Hobsons Bay to support the memory of every person’s relative that has served during war time by buying a poppy.
Altona RSL president Alan Scott said he and volunteers are busy preparing for the upcoming Poppy Appeal.
Mr Scott enlisted in the Vietnam War and was posted with the Navy on 25 January, 1962.
Since then the proud RSL president has served on various RSL committees and has held every executive role for nearly 40 years.
“The RSL is very important to me, mainly for the work that we do,” he said.
“We give away 50 per cent of everything we make to schools charities and junior sports clubs.”
The long-time Altona Meadows resident said the Poppy Appeal was an important event held in the lead-up to Remembrance Day, and contributes significantly to the fundraising work of the RSL.
“The blood red poppy is a symbol of sacrifice,” he said.
“Just about everybody would have had some relation that served in the war, whether it be a grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin.”
“I ask people to please support us, please support the memory of your relations.”
Mr Scott said the RSL and its volunteers work tirelessly to support the welfare of veterans and their families.
And the money raised from the Poppy appeal goes into a welfare fund used to assist both current and former serving members of the Australian and Allied defence forces and their dependents when in need.
“Without the work that the volunteers do we wouldn’t have the money to give what we give.”
He said the Altona RSL donates on average donates $8000 a month and has donated $1 million over the last five years.
“We’re working so we can give.”
The largest fundraising activity of the appeal is the sale of poppies beginning in late October and early November.
Poppies will be sold in schools across Altona and Altona Meadows, shopping centres and shops and across Hobsons Bay.
