Collingwood and Essendon will wear their 2020 ANZAC Appeal guernseys in Friday night's clash at the MCG to raise funds for support services for current and former serving members of the Australian Defence Force.
Traditionally meeting on April 25 for the annual ANZAC Day match, in 2020 the two rivals will join forces with RSL Victoria to recognise Australia's service men and women every day, not just on ANZAC Day.
All profits from the sale of the 2020 Collingwood ANZAC Appeal guernsey, along with limited edition commemorative badges and signed, match-worn guernseys from the Collingwood store will be donated to the ANZAC Appeal.
CLICK HERE to bid on match-worn jumpers
These funds will go towards RSL Victoria programs such as RSL Active, which offers a range of events and activities aimed to develop social networks, enhance support circles and improve mental and physical health outcomes through peer support.
RSL Victoria Chief of Veteran Services Adam 'Buzz' Lawson said funds donated to the ANZAC Appeal will help RSL Victoria facilitate peer support programs.
“By participating in programs with RSL Active, and that might be anything from bush walking, cycling or yoga, veterans are reconnecting with each other, and their families. The funds we raised through the ANZAC Appeal help to make this possible," Lawson said.
The 2020 Collingwood ANZAC Appeal guernsey, to be worn next Friday night, was unveiled this morning, featuring rosemary sprigs woven throughout the traditional black and white stripes.
Rosemary holds significance for Australians as it is found growing wild on the Gallipoli peninsula, with small sprigs of rosemary worn on ANZAC Day as a symbol of remembrance and commemoration.
Collingwood CEO Mark Anderson said the club was proud to continue to work with Essendon Football Club to support RSL Victoria and the service men and women of Australia.
“Collingwood takes great pride in being involved in the annual ANZAC Day match in partnership with RSL Victoria and the Essendon Football Club,” Anderson said.
“While our support for the ANZAC Appeal in 2020 will look different to that of previous years, we believe in the ongoing need to recognise and support the men and women who have served, or are serving, our country.
“By raising funds for the ANZAC Appeal, we’re able to help contribute to important programs run by RSL Victoria such as RSL Active. The emphasis on peer support and connection in these kinds of programs is something that we can all recognise as especially valuable to anyone going through a tough time.”
To support the RSL, please donate to the ANZAC Appeal.
