Girl in a million seeks help

By Pte Tim Asher
BRISBANE-based LCpl Shelly-Louise Hogan is participating in a quest to raise funds for war veterans and is looking for help from fellow diggers.

She is the only Defence member entered in the annual RSL Girl In A Million quest which, for the past 40 years, has raised money for the construction of accommodation facilities for former service personnel.

LCpl Hogan said she is looking for help from soldiers from anywhere in Australia.

“Maybe they could sell tickets in a signed, framed Qld Reds rugby jersey, tickets are only $2, or donate something for her to auction, or even take up a collection,” she said.

Encouraged to enter by SSM WO1 Barry Craymer, LCpl Hogan, who works in the orderly room at 1 Topo Svy Sqn, said her first question to organisers was “it’s not a beauty contest, is it?”

Entrants in the quest need to raise $2500 to qualify, although there were strict rules of non-disclosure before to the judging.

There are two major winners, Girl In A million and Golden Girl, each earning $45,000 in prizes. Last year’s Golden Girl raised a record $81,000.

Quest State Co-Ordinator Paula Burton said the funds raised provided means for former servicemen and women to retire gracefully in their home town, rather than having to travel to the metropolitan and large provincial areas to enter War Veterans Homes.