The RSL is relieved to report 'Rhonda' the reindeer has been returned ahead of tomorrow's Christmas party on the Greens after it was reported stolen.
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They allege the LED sculpture was the target of two people who were denied entry into the club evening last Friday for inebriation.
Wagga RSL club CEO Andrew Bell explained staff were first to notice the item's disappearance around an hour after the incident.
"[The perpetrators] got refused entry, came down here, knocked it over and thought 'oh, that's light, we'll carry that'," Mr Bell said.
"They went to the trouble of going into the bushes and getting out the transformer that runs it."
Five days later, and with no word of where 'Rhonda' might be, the RSL put a call out on their Facebook page and within 24 hours, the item was returned.
He said police informed the club that the item was surrendered by someone who purchased it off another person, just in time for the RSL's Christmas Party on the Greens which kicks off at 5pm tomorrow.
RSL marketing manager Jo Thomas said the evening hopes to reunite their members as well as the community after what has been a challenging year.
"It's an all local event with local entertainers, local food vendors, everything about it is local," she said.
"It's our way of supporting those that have been really good to us during the tough times ."
Ms Thomas is thrilled to be hosting the annual event again following last year's disappointing cancellation.
"In the past it has been really popular, so we're looking forward to seeing everyone here," she said.
Memberships have been discounted to $2 on the night in the hopes that everyone can afford to come down and enjoy an evening of good food, live entertainment, and fireworks at 9pm.
Children can also make the most of Santa's jumping castle, an inflatable obstacle course, a dual slide with a climbing tower, and other free amusements.
'Rhonda' will also be available for selfies at a COVID safe distance.
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