2020 was a tough year for Aucklanders and the Auckland RSA alike.
Like everyone else our plans for the 2020 Poppy Appeal were disrupted by the Lockdowns. Usually, Aucklanders are generous with us in the lead up to Anzac Day. Last year they were unable to be.
This resulted in a loss of donations of more than one hundred thousand dollars.
I want you to know that despite the Lockdown, a small private wreath laying occurred at the Cenotaph last year while maintaining social distancing and using PPE.
As the Auckland RSA has done every year since 1929, we remembered our fallen comrades at the Auckland Cenotaph.
I also want you to know that despite the loss of donations, we continued to support Veterans and their families in need. The RSA Movement was accorded essential social services provider status, so we were able to support Veterans and their families with meals and the collection of prescriptions, the running of errands and other tasks during the Lockdowns.
I am confident 2021 will be a better year for all of us. The generosity of Aucklanders this year will allow us to continue to make a real difference in the lives of Veterans and their families.
Every dollar you give us directly and indirectly supports Veterans and their families. The Auckland RSA does not run a bar we focus solely on commemoration and support. We can only be effective in assisting Veterans because Aucklanders assist us.
ANZAC Day services – Central Auckland & Hauraki Gulf Islands
Auckland Domain Dawn Service
Parade assembly: 5.30am in the Auckland War Memorial Museum underground carpark
Parade commences: 5.45am marching on Cenotaph Rd to Court of Honour
Service: 6am at Auckland Domain in front of Auckland War Memorial Museum
Road closure details: 3am-1pm, Wintergarden Rd, Museum Circuit, Maunsell Rd Ext, Cenotaph Rd, Football Rd and The Crescent