Soldier On recognised among Australia’s most innovative charities

Soldier On recognised among Australia’s most innovative charities

Soldier On’s March On campaign has been recognised for Outstanding Achievement (OAA) in The Australian Charity Awards for 2021.

The OAA has been established to recognise organisations for the exceptional work undertaken through their charitable activities. The Australian Charity Awards are a partner program of The Australian Business Awards.

Australian Charity Awards Program Director, Tara Johnston said their Awards aim to recognise the innovative ways charities are rethinking their community strategies and adapting to the ever-changing landscape of COVID-19

“The 2021 Australian Charity Awards have recognised ten organisations for their outstanding achievements in successfully managing their various programs, projects and services by meeting their challenges during these difficult times,” Tara said.

“As the world changes, many of these organisations have succeeded by rethinking their community engagement strategies and implementing new business tools, practices, and policies to facilitate their operations beyond the physical office.”

Soldier On is Australia’s only national, fully integrated, and holistic support services provider for our national service personnel and their families. ​

In response the devastating statistics of veteran and Defence suicide, Soldier On established the March On challenge.

March On is a virtual walking challenge, calling upon Australians to walk 96 kilometres, the length of Kokoda, during the month of March to raise funds to help prevent veteran suicide. The challenge pays tribute to the sacrifices made by our brave soldiers in Kokoda in World War II and highlights the importance of assisting our serving and ex-serving veterans of today.

In 2021, more than 6,200 participants, 862 teams, and 27 schools took part in the challenge, marching a total of 382,000 km across the globe in unique ways, with some participants even completing their challenge across the ocean floor and mountain peaks.

Soldier On Patron and Hunter local, Sergeant Bert is being recognised for his efforts in the campaign as a finalist in the NSW Australian of the Year Awards and said its success in the region has been tremendous.

“The March On challenge saw great success in the Hunter region with members of the public and defence community coming together in support of our veterans and their families. More than 20 personnel from RAAF Bases Amberley and Williamtown took part in the event, covering the length of the Kokoda Track in honour of one of the most important World War II battles for Australians,” Bert said.

“Local Soldier On team members were welcomed to a BBQ at RAAF Base Williamtown on 31 March to celebrate the final day of the challenge and pay thanks to HQ Air Combat Team who completed the 96 km walk that day.

Newcastle Solider On Pathway Officer, Karen Gallacher said this year’s march was an inspiring show of support and will help them to provide ongoing critical services to more veterans regionally.

“This year’s March On challenge received tremendous support from the local community. It has been truly inspiring to see people all over our region getting out there and marching on against veteran suicide,” Karen said.

“It is with the great support of our region that we are able expand our services and offer more critical support to our regional veterans. Together, we can prevent veteran suicide.”

The campaign received tremendous support from the Australian public, raising more than $1.85 million in support of our veteran community.

The funds raised from March On will go directly towards the provision of life-changing support services for our contemporary veterans and their family members, including mental health support, employment and education assistance, and opportunities for social connection.

Soldier On CEO, Ivan Slavich said the organisation is honoured to receive this award.

“The suicide rate among Australian veterans is simply unacceptable. Soldier On knows what must be done. We’ve proven that our programs are comprehensive and relevant to help our veterans and their families build better futures following their service.”

“The challenge now is to expand our services across all areas of the nation where veterans are based but find themselves without support. This requires funding and the demonstrated support of every Australian. This is why we are marching on.

“We are thrilled to see the tremendous success of the March On challenge, with more than $1.85 million raised. Every dollar raised as part of the March On challenge will go directly to the services that Soldier On provides to our veteran community. We are putting on more Psychologists, more Counsellors, and offering more social activities to help prevent veteran suicide. We look forward to hosting the event again in 2022,” Ivan concluded.

IMAGE | Soldier On receives accolade for their innovative March On campaign.

Soldier On

Soldier On is a not-for-profit veteran support organisation delivering a range of services to enable current and ex-serving veterans and their families to thrive. It is Australia's only national fully integrated and holistic support services provider for our national service personnel and their families.

Soldier On currently reaches more than 6,000 Australian veterans and their families.

Soldier On's services include a range of mental health and wellbeing services, employment support and education programs, as well as activities focused on connections with family, friends, and the broader community.

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