A Canning RSL club is bringing together members young and old to raise funds for long-needed upgrades, with a 93-year-old among those taking part.
About 20 members of the Canning Districts RSL Sub-Branch have signed up for this year’s HBF Run for a Reason, hoping to raise money to improve accessibility at their community club.
Secretary Eleanor Wilkins said the idea was to get members involved in something active while also supporting a practical need.
“We’re rallying our members with this team challenge to support the veterans,” she said.
“We’re trying to give them a blend of fitness and fun, but we’re also trying to raise funds to improve the toilet facilities and the area. Our facilities are quite old.”
The club, which opened in 1950 and had some upgrades about 30 years ago, now needs improved amenities, particularly for members with disability.
“A few of our members are in wheelchairs, so we needed better disabled facilities for them and for families with children as well,” Ms Wilkins said.
Funds raised from the run will go towards a broader renovation project, which is expected to cost more than $400,000.
“We’re short of about $40,000 or $50,000 at this stage, so every penny that we can get will help,” she said.
The team includes members ranging from teenagers to people in their 70s and beyond, with three participants set to complete the course using wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
“They are participating in the event. So, they will be wheeling their gophers or wheelchairs,” Ms Wilkins said.
Among them is long-time member and Gosnells local Terry Reynolds, who has been part of the RSL for about 25 years and is still keen to take part.
“I’ve been walking for 25 years with the Gosnells walking group, and I feel I want to do something with the RSL,” he said.
“I’ll cover the three kilometres walk.”
For Mr Reynolds, the club remains an important part of daily life.
“A friendship, a place to relax, enjoy a few beers after a hard day’s work,” he said.
Membership Officer George Bell said the RSL continues to serve as a meeting place for veterans, their families and the wider community.
“The idea of it is a club for fellowship that people come down,” he said.
“We’re open four days a week so they can come down and enjoy the premises… generally, people come down to sit down and talk amongst themselves.”
The club has more than 200 members and regularly hosts meals, quiz nights and community events. Around 30 to 40 people attend Friday dinners, with larger crowds for special occasions.
Ms Wilkins said the club also plays a key role during major events such as Anzac Day, where hundreds are expected to attend the dawn service and activities throughout the day.
“We’re always trying to provide some sort of social activity for the members, and it’s always open to the local community as well,” she said.
Donations can be made through the HBF Run for a Reason website under the Canning Districts team, or in person at the RSL club.
