8th April 2011
VB, has launched the 2011 Raise A Glass Appeal. Now in its third year, the Appeal calls on all Aussies to Raise A Glass on Anzac Day in support of our serving and ex-service men and women of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and their families.
This year’s Appeal is spearheaded by a new television commercial featuring Corporal Mark Donaldson VC. Corporal Mark Donaldson VC, who has a close association with Legacy after growing up as a Junior Legatee, has pledged his support to the Raise A Glass Appeal by sharing his story.
Paul Donaldson, Marketing Director CUB , says: “Corporal Donaldson has a great story to tell. The son of a veteran, his family were beneficiaries of Legacy, so he understands firsthand the support they can offer and the value of the Raise A Glass Appeal.
We believe that by telling his story through the commercials he will help the Appeal connect and engage with a younger generation of Australians, raising funds for other families in need of the support of both the RSL and Legacy.”
The 30 second television commercial created by Droga5 features Corporal Mark Donaldson VC enjoying a BBQ with a few close mates. Set against the sounds and the flickers of the burning BBQ his story of mateship is told. The commercial closes with Corporal Mark Donaldson speaking about the importance of the Raise A Glass Appeal, urging Australians to show support for the Appeal by making a contribution in 2011. Corporal Mark Donaldson VC also features in a 15 second television commercial in uniform doing a direct to camera piece. The television commercials were shot in Sydney on the 22nd February and will air from tonight.
In addition to the commercials featuring Corporal Mark Donaldson VC, VB will also be airing new edits of the 30 second television commercials featuring veterans Keith Payne VC and World War Two veteran Bill who featured in the 2009 and 2010 Raise A Glass Appeal campaigns. There will also be a national print campaign and cinema advertising.
Many pubs, clubs and liquor stores around Australia have also shown their support for the Appeal. Throughout the campaign VB will be installing donation boxes in support of the Raise A Glass Appeal at hundreds of venues around Australia.
David Nobay, Creative Chairman of Droga5 said, “VB is a brand with a long partnership and history with the ADF, and the Raise A Glass Appeal is a fitting way to recognise the ultimate sacrifice any Australian can make. At Droga5, we create a lot of work for CUB, but this campaign is a very special part of our year and one we couldn’t be prouder to be associated with.”
The third year of the VB Raise A Glass Appeal was launched nationally at ANZAC House with key representatives from the RSL and Legacy and special guest General Peter Cosgrove.
The VB Raise A Glass Appeal will raise vital funds for the RSL and Legacy to support servicemen and women and their families, past and present. To date, the campaign has raised in excess of $2.4 million for the RSL and Legacy, with one hundred per cent of the money generated by the Raise A Glass Appeal evenly divided between the two organisations. In keeping with the last two years, VB will kick start the fundraising by contributing $1 million to the Appeal.
For further information about the Raise A Glass Appeal please visit www.raiseaglass.com.au