A photograph of a moving Anzac Day display at one Coles supermarket has sparked a huge reaction on social media.
The display — situated at the entrance of the Annandale Coles store in Townsville, Queensland — features a large statue of a veteran surrounded by poppies and a “Lest We Forget” flag.
It was created by a Coles team member who works at the store as a tribute to her father, a war veteran.
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The Annandale store is also situated opposite the Lavarack Barracks in Townsville, the largest army base in Australia.
The photo was initially shared by a shopper at the store, whose post quickly went viral.
“Coles Annandale Townsville. Huge display right as you walk in, brilliant!” she wrote.
“Take note, Woolworths.”
The swipe at Woolworths was in reference to incorrect claims that Woolworths was not supporting Anzac Day this year.
While the retail giant will not be selling the RSL’s limited-edition Anzac biscuit tins, a spokesperson for the supermarket confirmed that it will sell exclusive Anzac Day badges in all stores as a way of supporting the charity.
All year round, Woolworths also sells Bakers’ Finest Anzac Biscuits — the actual biscuits included inside the limited edition tins — which are endorsed by the RSL and generate revenue to support returned servicemen and their families.
The Facebook post prompted an emotional reaction from thousands of Facebook users.
One say: “Bloody well done Coles – too much Aussie stuff being constantly eroded.”
Another wrote: “Great respect for our Diggers Thank you Coles Annandale Townsville.”
One more added: “That is great. As a veteran it makes me proud.”
Others said that they’d seen similar displays at other supermarkets around the country.
“My local Woolies has Anzac biscuits and all the Anzac badges on a big display just as you walk in the door,” said one.
Another added: “Woolies Maryborough has a similar display!”
New appeal
Coles, meanwhile, has announced details of its new Anzac Day appeal in support of the Bravery Trust, an organisation that supports war veterans.
In the lead up to Anzac Day, Coles will be donating 40 cents from the sale of every 12-pack Coles Bakery Anzac Biscuits and cookies sold in-store and online to the charity.
“Coles is proud to continue its longstanding community partnership with Bravery Trust and assisting team members who have served or are serving in the Australian Defence Force or Reserves, including our founder GJ Coles who fought in World War 1,” Coles General Manager Bakery Kate Roff said.
“Our bakers rise to the occasion for Bravery Trust every year, making nearly 500,000 Anzac biscuits in the week leading up to Anzac Day. It’s a cause our bakers love getting behind and we hope our customers can support too by buying a 12-pack Coles Bakery Anzac biscuit on or before Anzac Day.”