Austbrokers Canberra have donated $5,000 to the ACT Branch of The Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL) ahead of the Canberra Raiders ANZAC Round match against the Wests Tigers on Saturday.
Founding and Managing Director of Austbrokers Canberra, Greg Johnston, will have the privilege of tossing the ceremonial ANZAC coin on Saturday.
The toss will be undertaken using a specially designed commemorative Two-Up Kip and ANZAC Day 2016 Official coin, which was proudly donated by Richard Rolfe from the Audi Centre Canberra.
Mr Johnston met with Peter Eveille and Peter Collas from the ACT branch of the RSL this morning to donate the $5,000 and gain further insight into the wonderful effects the money will have on the local defence community.
“Most families have been touched in some way or form by people that have served in the armed forces. This is a great way to help a local charity that benefits the community in so many ways,” Mr Johnston said of the donation.
“I’m proud, humbled and privileged to be able to do the coin toss on Saturday. I’m looking forward to the day with the ANZAC Ceremony at the Stadium and the past players reunion after the game.
“The Canberra Raiders are a proud club and Austbrokers Canberra are very happy to be partnered with them, especially with the great work they are doing in the community.”
RSL was the official match day charity of the Raiders round seven match against the Sharks. President of the RSL ACT Branch, Peter Eveille, was overjoyed at the support the local RSL has received recently.
“We collected just under $4,900 at the game, with the assistance of the Emeralds and the young Army cadet unit. It was a very generous fan base from the Raiders and the Sharks,” Mr Eveille said.
“This morning has been quite a surprise to receive the $5,000 donation from Austbrokers Canberra. It is going to go a long way in helping the Veterans support in the ACT. The money received has a spreading effect of reaching so many.
“$5,000 in practical terms can be used towards three months’ salary for a person who administers a group of volunteers who look at 400 cases. That not only includes the Veteran, but their families as well."
Together with the NRL, the Raiders will be offering free entry to all returned or current defence personnel at the game on Saturday.
“We have sent a message out to all the Ex-Service Organisations in Canberra advising them of the free entry arrangements at the game.” Mr Eveille said.
The Raiders will be holding an official ceremony prior to the NRL kick-off on Saturday, featuring Director of the Australian War Memorial Dr Brendan Nelson, while the Ode will be read by VC recipient Ben Roberts-Smith.
The ceremony will also feature the playing of the Last Post and anthems from both Australia and New Zealand.
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