A decision impose a blanket ban on the sale of Anzac Day badges could strip close to $30,000 in donations from returned soldiers in need across the region.
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It follows an RSL state-body decision to boycott fundraising across all Sub-Branches in NSW last year – a move Wagga’s branch leaders have labelled “disappointing” and “upsetting”.
It means the symbolic icons, pridefully pinned on chests across the city on April 25, may not be seen on the final year of the World War I centenary.
But it could cost more than the loss of a tradition, according to Wagga’s Sub-Branch president Harry Edmonds, who said it could leave the not-for-profit out of pocket.
He said sales of the Anzac Day badges directly supported the Riverina’s former military personnel and their families.
Mr Edmonds said many of Wagga’s 400 Sub-Branch members were still in need of the helping hand it provided.
The controversial decision also lead to the loss of proceeds from the 2017 Poppy Day campaign, which had raised more than $28,000 in previous years.
The voluntary suspension across NSW came after new RSL leadership last year found some of its processes were illegal under state charity laws.
Mr Edmonds said it had not heard if or when it could continue fundraising efforts and despite The Daily Advertiser’s numerous attempts, NSW RSL did not respond to requests for comment.
“We’re hoping the ban is lifted before Anzac Day,” Mr Edmonds said. “We’d like it to be lifted today so we can get out and do something.”
He said the not-for-profits services would continue, but long-term the impacts were unknown.
“We are financially secure at the moment,” he said. “But for how long? We can’t keep robbing Peter to pay Paul.”
Wagga Women’s Auxiliary secretary Pauline Alchin, who has sold the badges across the city for nine years, said it was upsetting and unfair.
She said the badges were worth more than the money they raised.
Ms Alchin said it felt as though everyone was being penalised for something that could have happened 10 years ago.
“Our hands are tied,” Mrs Alchin said. “But the people it’s hurting are the returned servicemen who need help.”
