RSL’s cash splash grows

Peter Elmslie with Jack and Petra Geiti.

GIVING back to the community in grand proportions has become a hallmark of the Tewantin Noosa RSL and Citizens Memorial Club.
The club has provided more than $413,358 in cash donations and in-kind support in the past financial year, it was announced at the AGM last month.
According to group CEO Phil Stephenson a total of 50 beneficiaries were given support across all aspects of the community including individuals, sporting groups, community associations and schools.
“We are very proud of our community involvement, and it is so fantastic to see the difference our contributions make,” he said.
“Almost none of these donations would be achievable, were it not for the kindness and continued generosity of the members of the club. Their support is what enables us to make a real difference to our community.”
The sporting donations increased this year to just under $60,000 with the emphasis on encouragement of junior participation and development across a wide variety of activities such as football, cricket, basketball, tennis, athletics and swimming.
Various talented young individuals were also assisted to compete at national and international levels in their fields of endeavour.
A highlight of the year was the conclusion of a concerted effort to provide 10-year-old Jack Geitl with a wheelchair compatible vehicle to make life substantially easier for Jack and his mum Petra.
A donation of $5000 from the Tewantin Noosa RSL Club combined with support from Smile for a Child, Tewantin Noosa Lions Club, Frangipani Dreams, Noosa River Cruises and Noosa Heads Surf Club resulted in a total contribution of over $25,000.
Together with a government subsidy, the resultant amount paved the way for purchase of the desired vehicle.
Other groups within the community received benefits also with Katie Rose Hospice, Brighter Future 4 Kids, Santa’s Classy Helpers, Nippers, RSPCA, Sunshine Butterflies, Meals on Wheels, Tewantin and Noosaville State Schools, Noosa Chaplaincy and several individuals among the long list of recipients.