Login
iscover
“It’s quite humbling – it’s an incredible opportunity for us share and spread that message on a national level,” said Bravery Trust Ambassador FLTLT Adon Lumley.
Bravery Trust Interim CEO Garth Callender has also expressed his thanks to the veteran community for supporting the Coles Bravery Trust Appeal, involving more than 800 Coles supermarkets across Australia in the lead up to Anzac Day.
The Appeal is two-fold – building pride and gratitude for our veterans and raising crucial funds to support those veterans who fall on tough times.
Coles is donating 40 cents to Bravery Trust from every Coles Brand Bakery 12 Pack Cookies or Biscuits, including the much-loved Anzac Biscuits.
Host an #AnzacBiscuitMorningTea and serve Coles Brand Bakery Biscuits and you’ll be raising funds while having important discussions about the visible and invisible scars of service and the dedication to service demonstrated by Defence personnel.
“Building pride and gratitude for our veterans is something everyone can get behind,” said Mr Callender.
“So much of the identity of many serving personnel is tied to their experiences in the military. Unfortunately for some, the transition out of Defence can present challenges, especially when their discharge is sudden or unplanned due to mental or physical injuries.
“Bravery Trust provides a financial safety net to keep veterans safe and in their homes, and we work longer term through financial counselling and education to help rebuild lives.”
Mr Callender said finances can sometimes feel like a taboo subject and it can be a difficult conversation to start.
“But avoiding financial realities often only exacerbates the problem. We see some veterans waiting five, or even 10 years, before reaching out for help. In the meantime, they could be dealing with marital breakdown, homelessness, and a whole raft of challenges linked to their financial circumstances,” he said..
“We need to normalise financial conversations and encourage people to speak openly about budgeting and debt. This can encourage veterans in need to reach out, rather than struggling in silence.”
Coles General Manager Bakery Kate Roff said Coles was proud to continue its longstanding community partnership with Bravery Trust. Coles has been raising funds for Bravery Trust since 2014.
“Coles has a long and proud history of supporting Bravery Trust and supporting team members who have served or are serving in the Australian Defence Force, including our founder GJ Coles who fought in World War 1,” she said.
70% of those supported by Bravery Trust are aged 50 years or younger.
Funds raised through the Coles Bravery Trust Appeal provide vital support to keep veteran families in their homes and food on the table while they focus on healing from physical or mental injuries, with longer term financial counselling to reduce or avoid the stress of hardship. If you can’t get into a Coles store – you can show your support by making a direct donation at Bravery Trust Appeal
