The 2021 Poppy Appeal has launched in the South and this year, as the charity marks its centenary, the Royal British Legion (RBL) is celebrating the return of its collectors who have been helping to fundraise for over a century.
To mark the launch of the Poppy Appeal, the Royal British Legion is shining a spotlight on the people of all generations and backgrounds who have been at the heart of the Poppy Appeal in local communities for over 100 years.
The South West is delighted to have put together a video highlighting some of the dedicated Poppy collectors in the area – including here on the Isle of Wight.
After COVID-19 restrictions led the charity to cancel all face-to-face fundraising for the first time in its history in 2020, this year 40,000 Poppy Appeal volunteers are back out in force, raising vital funds to support the work of the RBL.
Clare Peppiatt, RBL Community Fundraising Manager for the South West said:
“This year, as we mark our centenary, we are proud to be celebrating the outstanding contribution of all our Poppy Appeal collectors. Every poppy counts which is why getting our Poppy Appeal collectors back out in local communities is so important. As the impact of Covid-19 continues to leave some members of the Armed Forces community in urgent need of our help, your support is as crucial as ever.
“We cannot help them without you which is why we are urging the public to look out for their local collector and donate. Your contribution will make a real difference to the lives of those in our Armed Forces community who have given so much.
Article continues below this advertisement “The RBL was formed in the aftermath of the First World War to fight for the rights of those who had given so much and come back to so little. Today, we continue to stand with the Armed Forces community, supporting them in the face of hardships, injuries and bereavements.”
The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal takes place from 28th October until Armistice Day on 14th November. Donations raised during this vital fundraising period are used to provide life-long support to serving and ex-serving members of the British Armed Forces, their families and dependants.
The RBL uses donations in many ways including providing crisis grants, sport and art based recovery programmes, specialist dementia care, and support with benefit and money issues.
