Mr Davie (left), Managing Director Market Link Solutions, presents RSL National President Major General Bill Crews AO (Retd) with a cheque for $132,000.

At a ceremony on Tuesday 22 November 2005, it was announced that Australia's Sands of Gallipoli collectibles have officially generated $400,000 in revenue for the country's Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL), and is well on its way to exceeding expectations for fund raising for 2005.

The ceremony was held in Canberra at a meeting of RSL State Presidents and Secretaries from across the country. The National President of the RSL, Major General Crews AO, accepted the latest funds-just over $132,000. "These funds will support the RSL's ongoing welfare work in the veteran community," said Major General Crews.

The brainchild of Canberra company, Market Link Solutions, the special anniversary Sands of Gallipoli collection consists of lapel pins, key rings, medallions, teaspoons, and plaques which contain authentic sand from ANZAC Cove. The collection has been especially popular this year, which commemorates 90 years since the landings at Gallipoli.

Managing Director of Market Link Solutions, Stephen Davie, said, "We expect to exceed our target for 2005 fundraising thanks to the many thousands of Australians commemorating the ANZAC Spirit by raising money for the RSL. Our goal for this year was to raise $150,000. We're virtually there."

Front; Mr Davie (left) Managing Director Market Link Solutions presents RSL National President Major General Bill Crews AO (Retd) with a cheque for $132,000. Back row, left to right - Victorian State President Major General David McLachlan AO (Retd), Western Australian State President Bill Gaynor OAM ED, Queensland State Secretary Geoff Opray RFD, New South Wales State Secretary Chris Perrin, South Australian State President Jock Statton OAM and ACT State President Gary Brodie OAM.

The Sands of Gallipoli collection is available from participating Australia Post retail outlets and RSL Sub Branches. They make unique Christmas gifts, enabling family, friends, staff, or clients to share a memory of the 90th anniversary. In 2005, the most popular item has been the Limited Edition set of six commemorative medallions that depict key stages in the Gallipoli campaign. Initial stocks sold out quickly by ANZAC Day and production accelerated to meet ongoing demand.

Market Link Solutions produces the 2005 Sands of Gallipoli memorabilia and has established a web site as a community service. It is free, has no advertising and is moderated so people can feel confident in contributing. To help raise awareness of the 90th Anniversary of the Gallipoli Landings, Market Link Solutions also created a web blog at www.sandsofgallipoli.com.au to encourage Australians to record their ANZAC stories and share with others how those back home kept families, farms and businesses going.