About two weeks on from receiving the devastating news of the fire at the Gisborne Golf Club, the Gisborne RSL is rallying to rebuild its history and build a new home for its members.
On April 17, residents woke to the news of the fire at the club, which destroyed the sub-branch’s home, memorabilia and library.
Just days away from Anzac Day, the RSL vowed not to let the events disrupt its service at the Cenotaph and has since created a GoFundMe for the rebuild.
Speaking in the fire’s aftermath, sub-branch secretary Daniel Hall said the reaction from the community has been amazing.
“The Gisborne RSL Sub-branch has been very humbled by the community support,” he said.
“We have been inundated with calls, emails and messages from the local community expressing their feelings on losing the Gisborne RSL Sub-branch.
“We have received a lot of support from the community through messages on social media … [and] have had numerous offers from throughout the community offering us a place to hold meetings.”
Mr Hall said in the lead up to Anzac Day, the local community also showed their support through buying Anzac badges.
He said they decided to start the GoFundMe page to help rebuild the sub-branch, and contribute to rebuilding the Gisborne Golf Club.
“As the local RSL we want to help contribute to [the] rebuilding … and in doing so build our own club room, [which] would be a personal place the … members could call home.
“We understand not all people are in a position to donate. Anyone can assist by sharing our GoFundMe page so we may get as much coverage as possible.”
GoFundMe: gofund.me/653dfa21
Zoe Moffatt
