4 November 2021
The life-sized numbers are doing the rounds across Victoria as part of this year’s 100th Poppy Appeal, with Bentleigh RSL the first of its stops in metro Melbourne.
Dozens of RSL volunteers gathered at the local cenotaph to give the temporary art installation a warm welcome.
Volunteers are gearing up to hit the streets and shops to raise much needed funds for one of the RSL’s biggest fundraisers.
Wayne Holmes joined the Royal Australian Air Force in 1968 and served until 1974.
"It’s an honour in this 100th year to be out to assist for this extra special Appeal. I’m asking everyone to come out on the day and buy a poppy."
Wayne Holmes
The RSL has been selling badges since 1921 and continue to do the same 100 years later, with all money raised going directly to supporting current and ex-serving members of the Australian and Allied Defence Forces and their dependents.
The former Bentleigh RSL president Ian Butcher says it’s important to recognise 100 years of fundraising, and it comes with a social bonus too.
“It’s been great to catch up with my mates because we’ve hardly seen each other for a couple of years!”
The special RSL Victoria creation has already visited parts of regional Victoria, with its itinerary kicking off in Shepparton.
It was inspired by a similar campaign in 2018, when giant #remember letters traveled around the state in the lead up to Remembrance Day.
The travelling 100
If you happen to see a life-sized ‘100’ popping up around Victoria, you aren’t dreaming. It’s RSL Victoria dreaming big.
RSL Victoria's Poppy Appeal, 100 years of giving
For 100 years, Victorians have generously donated their time and money towards the annual RSL Poppy Appeal. And with the Appeal’s centennial anniversary this year, it’s an apt time to reflect on its evolution, ongoing relevance, importance, and the tireless efforts behind each Appeal.
9News and RSL Victoria partner to celebrate 100 years of the Poppy Appeal
The Poppy Appeal is set to reach more Victorian's than ever before with the support of Nine.
