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Amid surging demand for veteran support services, Bravery Trust has teamed up with one of Australia’s leading supermarkets to support its annual fundraising appeal.
Coles has confirmed it will donate 40 cents from every 12-pack Coles Bakery brand biscuits and cookies, including Anzac Day biscuits, to support Bravery Trust’s annual fundraising appeal.
It will continue until 29 April and culminate at $150,000.
Australians are also being encouraged to support the charity with a donation to Bravery Trust at any Coles checkout.
The announcement comes off the back of surging demand for veteran support services, with the charity reporting a 49 per cent increase in demand for support from Australian veterans over the last 12 months.
Bravery Trust chief executive officer Garth Callender explained that the support is critical given the challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian life.
“The need to support our Aussie veterans is critical, with approximately 6,000 members transitioning out of the Australian Defence Force each year,” he said.
“The importance of supporting veterans has been further highlighted by the findings of the 2024 Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. The royal commission has brought to light the significant challenges faced by veterans, including experiences of financial stress when transitioning from military to civilian life.
“Coles’ partnership with Bravery Trust is a vital part of addressing these challenges and ensuring that veterans receive the care and support they deserve.
“These funds are essential in providing the necessary financial relief to our veterans facing challenging circumstances. Whether that’s by helping pay rent and utility bills or by providing a free, independent, confidential and veteran-specific financial counselling service.”
Support extends to those injured during service, including RAAF veteran Trish who sought support to help pay urgent bills.
“I have always been independent, and it was really hard for me to admit I needed help after 13 years of service with the Australian Royal Airforce,” she said.
“However, making the phone call to Bravery Trust was one of the best decisions I’ve made. There’s no judgement. There’s great understanding that sometimes things happen, and Bravery Trust is there to provide a point of reset and let us just move on – to look forward again.”
Coles, alongside its customers, has raised more than $6.2 million for Bravery Trust since 2014, a recent release stated.
