Australia's peak retail body, the Australian Retailers Association is gearing up to celebrate First Responders Day on Thursday May 16, with retailers offering special offers for our frontline heroes.
The event, now in its fifth year, is the Australian retail community's way of saying thanks to those who sacrifice so much to keep us safe - from health professionals to emergency services personnel, who are always there in times of crisis.
First Responders Day is proudly sponsored by American Express.
In previous years, offers have ranged from 10 to 30 per cent off in-store and/or online items, to complimentary coffee, giveaways or a gift with purchase, depending on where our First Responders choose to shop. All they need to do is bring a photo ID which shows their work identity, or shop in their work uniform.
ARA CEO Paul Zahra said it is vital to continue to thank our first responders, who alongside their everyday work have also steered us through a global pandemic, unprecedented natural disasters and in most recent times a tragedy at a major shopping centre.
"We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to our First Responders for keeping us safe every single day," Mr Zahra said.
"First Responders Day is now a permanent fixture on Australia's retail calendar and a modest way of showing our respect and appreciation to those who sacrifice so much for our way of life.
"They're always there for us during times of crises – ordinary people who display extraordinary courage in the face of danger to protect and save others."
Offers are available only to Australian-based First Responders.
They include medical and health workers, 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.
Businesses can sign up for First Responders Day and register their offers by completing this form.
