The annual poppy appeal brings in thousands of dollars every year to support veterans and their immediate dependants. This year, in addition to the local collection boxes and street appeal, the RSA has launched a national Givealittle campaign raising money online until the end of May.
The poppy appeal began in 1922, the funds it generates helps the RSA with a major part of the service it provides to ex service personnel and their immediate families.
"What our poppy day appeal does, is give us a fund that we can immediately help someone in need. We see ourselves as a conduit to other support," president of the Welfare Fund and Whanganui Club Manager, Rod Hart, said.
"For instance we have a dedicated welfare person here so when someone has a problem they go see him and he will then redirect them onto Veterans Affairs or national RSA... and can then forward them on to doctors and all sorts of people who can help. He's a retired regimental sergeant major."
Traditionally an exclusive club, the Whanganui RSA has recently combined with the Cosmopolitan Club. The merger with a civilian' club is not unique to Whanganui and has allowed the RSA to maintain a very important function - camaraderie and a place to meet.