Cronulla RSL RAISE OVER $15,000 FOR animals who have given military service or are impacted by war

Cronulla RSL fundraising activities on ANZAC Day 2021 & 2022, have raised over $15,000 to support the efforts of the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation (AWAMO) & Veteran Service Animals.

AWAMO is a volunteer not-for-profit group, with the aim to recognise the deeds of animals during Australian military service and to educate generations to follow of the sacrifices made by four legged diggers. They have they donated over 30 plaques honouring the deeds and sacrifices of animals during all wars at various RSLs, Parks and Military establishments and have numerous initiatives in place to support animals who have given military service or are impacted by war.

One initiative is their ANZAC Veteran Service Dog Assistance Project. A program in place to financially help retired Military working dogs from the Australian Defence Force. At the end of their service, the ADF’s duty of care ends. AWAMO raise funds to assist the dog’s handlers with purchasing medication, payment of veterinary bills, and the supply of dog items that aid comfort (such as bed, coat and toys). When the time comes, they also assist with the costs of cremation and honouring the dogs with a burial head stone. They have negotiated great arrangements with Master Pets & PetLife to provide a range of dietary foods for the animals to enjoy during their retirement.

One member of this project is a working dog named “Manic”, who served in Iraq and on Tactical Assault Group East (TAGE). Manic retired in 2020 and now lives in the Sutherland Shire.

Cronulla RSL’s CEO Sue McNeill says ‘We were approached by Manic’s handler in 2021, to get permission for Manic to visit the club after the ANZAC Day Dawn Service. We approved without hesitation; service dogs are diggers too!’.

The Club was so welcoming, that Manic was announced as the first honorary four-legged member and was issued his own membership card.

‘We were so touched by Manic’s story and saddened to hear of the limited support war dogs and their handlers receive after their service, that we were inspired to help do what we could to make a difference’ said McNeill. ‘We hope that our efforts encourage other clubs to support their local service dog, and get behind the AWAMO’.

Cronulla RSL will continue to work with AWAMO CEO Nigel Allsopp, to support the cause. Nigel and his team are currently busy preparing a container load of food and medication supplies to be shipped to Poland, to support animals in the Ukraine who are being displaced as their owners flee the conflict zone.

 For more information on AWAMO, visit their website http://awamo.org.au/