At least $100 in poppy donations was estimated to have been contained in the stolen donation box, which was taken from Oamaru Hospital on Anzac Day, and although North Otago RSA president Norm Foley said the original donations had still not been recovered, he had been amazed at the generosity of the people of Oamaru, who had since helped cover the financial loss by donating an extra $500 to the RSA during the last week.
"The public have been coming in, making donations.
" I think one guy at the hospital made a $100 donation. It's absolutely fantastic. I couldn't believe it."
There was also an additional celebration for the RSA on Monday, as seven past-presidents of the North Otago RSA Women's Section joined past and present members to celebrate 70 years since the Women's Section was founded.
Waitaki District mayor Alex Familton also attended the celebrations and praised the work of the group, many of who had lived through war.
"It's just such an important group of people," he said.
