Monday 21 November 2005

Sands of Gallipoli tops expectations for fundraising

At a ceremony being held tomorrow, it will be announced that Australia's Sands of Gallipoli collectibles have officially generated $400,000 in revenue for the country's Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL), and is well on its way to exceeding expectations for fund raising for 2005.

The ceremony will be held in Canberra at a meeting of RSL State Presidents and Secretaries from across the country. The National President of the RSL, Major General Crews AO, will accept the latest funds-just over $132,000. "These funds will support the RSL's ongoing welfare work in the veteran community," says Major General Crews.

The brainchild of Canberra company, Market Link Solutions, the special anniversary Sands of Gallipoli collection consists of lapel pins, key rings, medallions, teaspoons, and plaques which contain authentic sand from ANZAC Cove. The collection has been especially popular this year, which commemorates 90 years since the landings at Gallipoli.

Managing Director of Market Link Solutions, Stephen Davie, said, "We expect to exceed our target for 2005 fundraising thanks to the many thousands of Australians commemorating the ANZAC Spirit by raising money for the RSL. Our goal for this year was to raise $150,000. We're virtually there."

The Sands of Gallipoli collection is available from participating Australia Post retail outlets and RSL Sub Branches. They make unique Christmas gifts, enabling family, friends, staff, or clients to share a memory of the 90th anniversary. In 2005, the most popular item has been the Limited Edition set of six commemorative medallions that depict key stages in the Gallipoli campaign. Initial stocks sold out quickly by ANZAC Day and production accelerated to meet ongoing demand.

Market Link Solutions produces the 2005 Sands of Gallipoli memorabilia and has established a web site as a community service. It is free, has no advertising and is moderated so people can feel confident in contributing. To help raise awareness of the 90th Anniversary of the Gallipoli Landings, Market Link Solutions also created a web blog at www.sandsofgallipoli.com.au to encourage Australians to record their ANZAC stories and share with others how those back home kept families, farms and businesses going.

Time 12:25pm (ceremony should take no more than 10 minutes)
Date Tuesday 22 November 2005
Venue RSL National Headquarters,
Constitution Ave & Blamey Crescent, Campbell
Media contact Wendy Johnson, 0414 295 857 or 02 6282 0578
Images Images of the ceremony will be posted to the web site at 3:00pm Tuesday 22 November 2005