WWII era Australian Red Cross fundraising tag - Sacrifice Day
c. 1942 - 1945World War Two era Australian Red Cross circular fundraising tag sold to support 'Sacrifice Day'.
It features a prominent red cross at the top, the words 'Sacrifice Day' in red lettering, framed by a wreath of green laurel leaves tied with a red ribbon at the bottom.
The reverse has another red cross at the top, the slogan 'Be happy and give what you can spare, or give what you cannot spare and be happier' in the centre, and the denomination '6d.' (sixpence) at the bottom, all printed in bright red ink on a cream background.
To the right of the text is a signature, 'E. Mathieson' handwritten in black ink in vertical orientation.
There is a small hole at the centre top through which a piece of cotton cord would have been threaded for attachment.
There are no maker's marks.
Sacrifice Day was an AUstralian Red Cross Society fundraising appeal held to raise funds for war-related relief, including parcels for prisoners of war and support for wounded soldiers and nurses.
Towns, cities, and local county branches would designate a specific date as 'Sacrifice Day', and volunteers (often young women, schoolchildren, or local organisations) would take to the streets with collection boxes.
The public was encouraged to 'sacrifice' a luxury—such as the cost of a movie ticket, a meal out, a cup of tea, or a new outfit—and donate that specific amount to the campaign.
This tag was purchased with two others (China Relief appeal and Battle Stations Week) sold in Brisbane in 1942. The same signature, 'E. Mathieson', appears on the reverse of all three tags.
Details
Details
On front of tag:
"Sacrifice
Day"
On reverse of tag:
"Be happy and give
what you can spare,
or give what you cannot
spare and be happier"
"6d."
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