Wednesday, 02 April 2025: RSL Victoria and Woolworths have marked the start of the supermarket’s support for the 2025 ANZAC Appeal, with the launch of its regional campaign at Woolworths’ Wangaratta store.

The partnership between the RSL and Woolworths is now in its 11th year. Customers can purchase badges and wristbands from today, with all funds going to the RSL to support veterans and their families

Woolworths Wangaratta store manager Allison Stone knows the importance of the appeal and the support it provides, being a veteran herself.

“Having served in the Australian Navy for seven years and coming from a family with a service history going back six generations, I’m very proud to be part of this year’s appeal,” Ms Stone said.

“As a veteran I understand the adjustment that is required to return to civilian life and the difficulties that many ex-service men and women find.

“I was fortunate to be able to land a job with Woolworths that has resulted in a seventeen-year career, but not everyone is as lucky as me.”

“It’s a really proud moment to have my employer Woolworths support the ANZAC Appeal in a genuine way that will raise funds to help those veterans doing it tough.”

Andrew Kay, Senior Vice President of the Wangaratta RSL, says funding from the ANZAC Appeal is becoming more important to Sub-Branches.

“Across the state the demand for support from the RSL is growing, which is consistent with what was sadly articulated through the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide,” Mr Kay said. 

“The ANZAC Appeal is the major annual RSL fundraiser and is crucial to making sure Wangaratta RSL has the resources to deal with the issues of local veterans.”

“Having Woolworths involved is a boost for the RSL, ensuring the ANZAC Appeal is front of mind over the next few weeks when people are doing their grocery shopping.” 

This year’s campaign will see 20 cents for every pack of ANZAC Biscuits sold from Woolworths Bakery from April 23-25 go to the Appeal, while proceeds from Bakers Finest ANZAC Biscuits (tins and packets) will go to RSL Australia.  

Woolworths has been a supporter of the ANZAC Appeal for more than 10 years. and helped raise $13.6 million over that time, which has been distributed nationally based on where sales were generated. Customers have purchased 2.7 million ANZAC and Poppy Appeal products to wear and show their support for veterans and their families. 

Woolworths will promote the ANZAC Appeal via an in-store marketing campaign, with a media value of $1.1 million across digital screens, posters, landscape point-of-sale tickets, and in-store radio.

ENDS

About the ANZAC Appeal

The ANZAC Appeal is the national fundraiser to support veterans. 

This support includes advocacy to help gain compensation for physical and mental health injuries through service, assistance with day-to-day medical support and employment, social support for veterans and families, and programs that promote physical health and social connection like RSL Active. 

Donations to the ANZAC Appeal go back to the state or territory RSL where the donation was made.