Wednesday 23 June 2021
Thousands of retail stores will acknowledge Australia's front-line heroes tomorrow with special offers to celebrate First Responders Day - an annual initiative of the Australian Retailers Association (ARA).
The offers listed here feature over 100 retail brands, both large and small, who have signed up to the initiative. Participants include well-known national brands like David Jones, Myer, The ICONIC, Rebel, The Good Guys, Adairs, Costco Wholesale, Supercheap Auto, Cue, H&M, Michael Hill, Sportsgirl, Ray-Ban and Camilla to name a few. Offers range from 10, 20 or 30% off in-store items, depending on where our first responders choose to shop.
ARA Chief Industry Affairs Officer Fleur Brown said First Responders Day is the retail community's way to thank the frontline men and women who sacrifice so much to keep our community safe.
"Unfortunately, emergency responses have become a way of life for Australia as we continue to battle the Covid pandemic, alongside bushfires and floods which have ravaged our towns and communities. Our First Responders are always there in times of crisis, bravely keeping us safe and we owe them an enormous debt of gratitude," Ms Brown said.
"This is our second year promoting the event and once again we've had a huge response from retailers with thousands of stores across the country making unique offers available for first responders. From homewares and electronics to fashion, food, beauty products and drinks - no matter what you're interested in, there's sure to be an offer to match.
"Last year's event was a huge success. We held the first First Responders Day mid-pandemic in 2020 and we're delighted to confirm this as a permanent part of Australia's annual retail calendar."
Offers will be available to Australian-based first responders. They include medical and health workers including doctors, nurses and paramedics, as well as ambulance staff, police personnel, firefighters, defence and border force personnel, SES, lifesavers and quarantine workers. A full list of eligible first responders can be found here. First responders can access discounts by showing a photo ID which shows their work identity. Alternatively, they can shop in their work uniform.
St John Ambulance Australia CEO Len Fiori said: "This initiative recognises the extraordinary dedication, passion, and commitment of all our first responders who spend every day helping others. The past year has been one of the most challenging in our history and our first responders have stepped forward each time we have needed them.
"It is incredibly encouraging to see so many Australian retailers and the wider community celebrate first responders and the work they do," Mr Fiori said.
