Community Support and Commemoration: Cronulla Sub Branch’s Books in Lieu Program
For over 25 years, the Cronulla Sub-Branch has been running something pretty special called the 'Books in Lieu Program'. Though it might not always grab the spotlight, it's been a significant initiative, quietly bringing our community together while preserving our culture and history.
ANZAC Day holds profound significance in the hearts of the Cronulla community—a day of solemn reflection and tribute to the courageous men and women who have served their country. Through the Books in Lieu program, the Cronulla Sub Branch has found a meaningful way to honor the memory of veterans while supporting local schools.
The premise is simple yet powerful: instead of traditional flower wreath-laying during the ANZAC Day Dawn Service, members of the community are invited to make a book donation in lieu of laying wreaths at the memorial. These book donations are then equally divided amongst the 12 local schools participating in the Cronulla RSL Schools Program. It is estimated around 500 books have been donated over the years.
Those wishing to participate can make a donation online or via paper form. After their donation, they will be given an individually worded place card, which can be made in memory of a loved one. This card is then placed on the memorial during our wreath laying ceremony of the Dawn Service.
But the Books in Lieu Program isn't just about honoring our veterans and supporting local schools; it's also a boost for businesses right here in Cronulla. At the forefront of this initiative's success stands the local Cronulla bookshop, The Best Little Bookshop In Town. Owner Grant and his team, provide vouchers that are distributed to local schools, allowing them to select a book of their choice. Included inside the book is a label identifying the donor.
Teaming up with The Best Little Bookshop In Town, this initiative brings the community together in a simple yet impactful way. Cronulla Sub Branch President, Cory Rinaldi, says "By encouraging our community to donate books instead of laying wreaths during the ANZAC Day Dawn Service, we're not just preserving our heritage; we're also giving a nod to our local bookshop. It's a win-win: community members get to support a worthy cause and engage with a beloved local business”.
Books in Lieu donations can be made until April 14th. Place cards will be available for collection from Cronulla RSL reception by 22nd April. Any place cards not collected by April 22nd will be laid by a member of the Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch on the donor's behalf.
For more information about the program or to make a donation, visit here.
Grant Fehon, The Best Little Book Shop in Town & Cory Rinaldi, Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch.
About the Cronulla Sub Branch
The Cronulla Sub Branch operates as a not-for-profit organisation, deeply committed to serving the needs of veterans and their families within the local community. Through its various programs and initiatives, the Sub Branch provides essential welfare services, fosters camaraderie among members, and ensures that the sacrifices of veterans are never forgotten. Operating with a spirit of volunteerism and dedication, the Sub Branch relies on the generosity of its supporters and the hard work of its members to fulfill its mission. For more information, visit www.cronullarslsubbranch.com.au/subbranch.
About the The Best Little Book Shop in Town
The Best Little Bookshop In Town, independent bookstore located in Cronulla Mall (97 Cronulla St, Cronulla, NSW 2230).
Tel: 0420-574-992 https://www.bestlittlebookshopintown.com/
Cronulla Sub Branch’s Books in Lieu Program