Bravery Trust Ambassador Murray Bruce will run through Canberra carrying packs of Anzac Biscuit ingredients, to symbolise ‘sharing the load” and ‘carrying the weight’ for fellow veterans when faced with difficult times.
Mr Bruce, who served in the Navy for 13 years, will bring together current and ex-serving members of the Australian Defence Force and civilian supporters. They will run 10km from Coles Manuka to Coles Canberra Civic, via Anzac Parade and the Australian War Memorial, to officially open the Bravery Trust Appeal for 2025.
Anzac Biscuits have become a shared tradition and a way to recognise and honour the sacrifices made by our military forebearers to preserve our freedoms. Their origin story lies in their recipe evolved from the availability of staple ingredients that would last the journey without spoiling.
From 23 April to 29 April, Coles will donate to Bravery Trust 40 cents for every 12-pack of Coles Bakery brand biscuits and cookies, including Anzac biscuits, sold in-store or online.
Mr Bruce said Anzac Day was an opportunity for all Canberrans to get behind the Defence community and raise awareness about the support available to veterans when faced with financial hardship.
“Those who served have selflessly picked up a load and carried it on our behalf – it seems timely to help those in difficulty in their time of need,” Mr Bruce said.
“Anzac Day provides an opportunity to work together breaking down stigma, finding new ways to start difficult conversations, and showing up for those who’ve served.
“I have friends and colleagues who have been impacted by their service, and carried challenges throughout their lives. Talking about finances can be difficult, but money is linked to everything we do and without first addressing financial challenges it can be hard for veterans to focus on other areas of their recovery.”
Bravery Trust is a national miliary charity supporting veterans who have been injured or sustained illness during service with direct financial aid in times of hardship, assisting with rent, essential bills or food vouchers. The Bravery Trust model is unique as it combines longer-term and specialised financial counselling to build confidence
and new skills to help veterans reset their lives.
Coles has been a partner of Bravery Trust since 2014, helping to raise more than $6.2 million to support Aussie veterans. In addition to the donation of 40 cents per pack sold, Coles is accepting donations to Bravery Trust at the checkout. Direct donations can be made to Bravery Trust.
