RSL sub-branches across the Port Macquarie-Hastings will be able to accept donations for a poppy for this year's Remembrance Day.
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RSL DefenceCare says the decision coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Armistice of World War I.
All funds raised from the donations support Australian veterans and their families in need, says RSL NSW president James Brown.
"This is a state-wide initiative," he said.
"RSL DefenceCare continues to support veterans, providing direct financial assistance, counselling and claims services, and a newly launched veteran sport program.
"In 2017, RSL DefenceCare, a charity and not-for-profit organisation, responded to calls from over 3000 military families requesting various forms of assistance, including emergency financial relief in drought-stricken areas, housing assistance, counselling sessions and claims support.
"The recently launched veteran sport program will now see RSL DefenceCare able to subsidise the costs of sporting activities and other training activities through Veteran Sport Australia to help improve the health and wellbeing of veterans with injuries and illnesses.
"The impact of such programs is now widely recognised as an important way to improve veterans’ mental and physical health, self-confidence, sense of community, camaraderie and social integration."
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Mr Brown said the poppy is an enduring symbol of the recovery after the First World War.
It was the first flower to grow on the scarred battlefields of Western Europe, he said.
"Today it is the symbol of the promise that Australians make to look after anyone who has put their hand up to serve their country in the military on our behalf, and who might need help as a result of their war service.
“The money that comes from the Poppy Appeal will be used to support the work of our state-wide professional veterans’ welfare organisation, RSL DefenceCare, which is taking calls from veterans and their families in need every day.
"Sub-Branches will receive a payment for their fundraising efforts that can be used to support the work they do in their local area.
“This year marks 100 years since the guns fell silent at the end of World War I, and as we honour the past we also look to the future. Our commitment in the next 100 years will be as resolute as the last 100, and our sub-Branch members continue to play a vital role in helping veterans across the State, no matter where they live in NSW.”
Remembrance Day services will be held across the Port Macquarie-Hastings with events at Port Macquarie, Wauchope and Laurieton.
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