RSL NSW donation boost for veteran services support.

RSL NSW sub-Branches have come together to provide a multi-million-dollar donation to its partner charity, RSL LifeCare, that will see funds go towards the critical support of veterans and their families.

Over 90 RSL sub-Branches from across the State contributed to the state-wide donation to the total of $3.1 million dollars, which includes the proceeds of the ex-service organisation’s annual ANZAC and Poppy Appeals.

RSL LifeCare Chief Executive Officer Graham Millett said the funds would go towards a range of vital support services for veterans, including physical and mental wellbeing, claims and advocacy, education and employment and housing, as well as strengthening regional support through the organisation’s Veteran Wellbeing Centres in Nowra and Wagga Wagga.

“Our veterans have given and continue to give so much to protect the lives and livelihoods of Australians,” Mr Millett said. “They deserve our acknowledgment and support for the sacrifices they and their families have made.

“On behalf of RSL LifeCare, I am incredibly grateful for the donation from our charity partner RSL NSW, together with its contributing sub-Branches, and I know that the funds will go directly to where they are needed most – enhancing the lives of veterans and their families and assisting them to thrive in their communities.

“The level of support provided by RSL LifeCare Veteran Services to the veteran community wouldn’t be possible without the ongoing support and collaboration of RSL NSW and its sub-Branches.”

In addition to the donation, RSL NSW committed to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in partnership with the RSL & Services Clubs Association and ClubsNSW, to continue to foster mutual support for the veteran community at large.  RSL NSW President, Ray James said the donation and MoU further demonstrated that the ex-service organisation is taking action to support veterans and their families.

“When the going gets tough, RSL NSW members get going by mobilising physical and financial resources to ensure that veterans and their families receive the hands-on support and services they need,” Mr James said.

Through the MoU, stakeholders will work together to enhance collaboration and deliver the best outcomes for veterans, families and their communities, including in areas such as community engagement, membership, advocacy and social, physical and employment initiatives.

RSL NSW is a member-based charity and does not own or operate clubs or benefit from the proceeds of the sale of alcohol or gambling.  As an ex-service organisation, RSL NSW and its sub-Branches are committed to supporting current and ex-serving members of the Australian Defence Force.