The AIHL and community partner Soldier On are launching an ANZAC Day initiative to raise awareness and support for physically and psychologically wounded returned soldiers.
Two games will be with focus of the initiative with the game on April 19 between the Melbourne Ice and Melbourne Mustangs at the Medibank Ice House as well as in Canberra on April 26 between the CBR Brave and Sydney Ice Dogs. These games will feature a member of Soldier On performing a ceremonial puck drop, as well as addressing the players and crowd before the match.
However, this is not the first time Soldier On and the AIHL have worked together.
“The most significant way we worked together last year was a match between the Canberra Knights and a Soldier On team made up of former Knights players” said Soldier On CEO John Bale. “At this match we were able to promote the charity, collect funds, sell merchandise and invite supporters and wounded to attend.”
Soldier On launched in 2012 and was inspired by the death one of Bale’s friends, Michael Fussell, who was killed by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan in 2008. Since then, the charity has been raising money to be able to help veterans get access to services including rehabilitation, community events, education, employment and empowerment.
Having raised over $1 million for the work in under two years, Soldier On is beginning to build a national network of Reintegration and Recovery Centres. Two are already operational with one in Adelaide and one recently opened in Canberra. However, the team know that there is a long way to go to ensure that wounded soldiers are supported in the long term.
“We have seen great success in a very short time, but ultimately our wounded need more support if we are to work towards an effectively reintegrated generation of service-people,” Bale said. “The best ways to support Soldier On is to donate, fundraise, or help spread the word.”
“We need funds to begin setting up our Reintegration and Recovery Network in earnest and this can only be achieved with the help of the Australian public. Spreading the word, through social media, signing up to our newsletter or visiting our website, can also help. The more people know about what wounded men and women experience and how services they access through Soldier On can help, the better.”
While donations of time and money will be paramount to continue the work that Soldier On has started, the charity has also built relationships with several sporting teams and competitions including St Kilda in the AFL, the Canberra Cavalry in the ABL and the ACT Brumbies in Super 14 rugby. On top of this, Soldier On was also the sponsored charity at last year’s Trans-Tasman rugby league test match.
“All of these opportunities give us the chance to link our wounded with their communities,” Bale said. “Players from all codes have been extremely responsive when meeting individuals affected by the service in different ways. Both the players and those representing Soldier On get a lot out of these meet and greets, particularly as sharing their stories can be quite therapeutic.”
“The similarities between competitive sport and the armed forces are also a good connect, though most of the players are very upfront about the fact that while both professions are fuelled by passion, only one requires dealing with life and death.”
However, the AIHL and Soldier On have built a special relationship over the past two years.
“We've been able to reach a wider and extremely engaged audience,” Bale said. “Hockey players are some of the most
engaging sportspeople and their fans are some of the most passionate supporters of any sport. With help from the AIHL, there is an exciting opportunity to channel this passion to achieve great outcomes for our wounded and their families.” To donate time, money, sign up for the newsletter or get any more information about Soldier On, please visit the
Soldier On website [Hyperlinked].
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