This Anzac Day (25th April 2020) will be a different one for many people. It is a day where Australians get to have the opportunity to acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices of Australians who have served the country in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. This is especially true when it comes to the spouse and family members who the soldiers left behind who are still experiencing the emotional and physical loss after these many years.
Come Saturday, Anzac Day will be commemorated with less fanfare and publicity. This is in line with a new war with an invisible enemy called COVID-19; and this enemy can target our Anzacs veterans easily due to their age.
Despite the smaller scale events being held, we as a community can help show our support this Anzac Day by using #AnzacAtHome to connect with others. However I assume many veterans will know how to use technology to keep up with their friends and families, especially with the restrictions placed around travelling.
As a pharmacist and current air force reserve, I empathised with veterans when they cannot get groceries and medical supplies due to their advancing age, fear of COVID-19, and the physical disadvantages that are a result of their service to the country. Many veterans left the force with physical and mental disabilities which puts them at a disadvantaged during the panic buying prior social restrictions set in place around the end of March.
I spoke to one veteran and he mentioned that his fear of getting the virus has caused him to stay at home. This has resulted in:
1) Staying at home,
2) Not being able to get to the local bank to get cash,
3) Unable to buy groceries,
4) Unable to get prescription medications for his chronic disease,
5) Not taking his medications because there was no medicines at all
This has resulted in a domino of effect that ultimately led me to come to his aid. Despite the Australian Government funding $25 million into getting medicines to the homes of the most vulnerable, not every Australian of older age will know who to contact for such free services.
This gentlemen inspired the military personnel in me. I knew I had to look after my fellow military mates and their families. I asked around the Vasey Royal Service League in my local area and identified healthcare provisions that they find hard to get, and I collaborated with local and other states to get discounted products to the hands of our Anzacs.
Therefore, this year Pharmacist Army have collaborated with a few like-minded individuals and companies to help show our appreciation to our Australian war veterans through the way we know best - healthcare.
Items that are highly requested by veterans with income and mobility disadvantages:
- Hand sanitiser
- Antibacterial soap
- Face mask
- Toilet paper
- Tissue paper
- Pasta
- Frozen ready-made meals
- Coffee/Tea
Come this Saturday 25th April 2020, these items will be delivered by Pharmacist Army to local RSL villages. It would be left at their doorstep with a note of thanks. At the end of the day, we must respect our social distancing measures and not be in close contact with our most vulnerable and most respected people in our community.
"Lest we forget"