Calling out to Poppy Appeal volunteers

The Royal British Legion is urging the great British public to join forces with them this winter and volunteer for the charity’s annual Poppy Appeal campaign.

In the year that marks 100 years since the end of the First World War, the Legion is calling on local people across Oldham to show their support for our Armed Forces – past and present – by dedicating their spare time to distribute poppies for donations.

The Legion needs as many volunteers as possible for this year’s Appeal and Community Fundraiser Tina Pringle says their support will help the charity continue providing year-round practical help and advice to the Armed Forces community.

Tina said: “Every year we are astounded by the overwhelming support from the public who give anything from two hours to two weeks of their free time to help out during the Poppy Appeal.

"It’s our biggest fundraising campaign and in 2017 we raised over £875,000 in Greater Manchester thanks to the dedication of our volunteers.”

The money raised helps the Legion to support Serving personnel, veterans and their dependants in a variety of ways such as helping them to manage their debts, funding specialist equipment to aid veterans injured in conflict and sending Forces families on much-needed holidays at Poppy Break Centres.

“None of this would be possible without our volunteers,” Tina added.

“Volunteering can provide great opportunities for those involved. It allows the chance to meet new people, learn new and transferable skills and be part of a team that helps the whole Armed Forces family and promotes understanding of Remembrance.”

The Legion is looking for enthusiastic people of all ages and backgrounds. Volunteers like Alicia Beaty, aged 19, from Royton, who has supported the Poppy Appeal since she was 10 years old.

Alicia, who is Secretary of the Legion’s Branch in Royton, has helped to raise almost £12,000 as she distributes poppies at her local church and holds an annual family fun day on Remembrance Sunday.

Alicia said: “I got involved with the Appeal when I was Rose Queen at church.

"I found it really interesting and our Remembrance event always raises lots of money as we have a DJ, face painting and food stalls.

"I love helping the Armed Forces community as they have given so much for us. I hope lots of people will join my team this year and help us to raise as much money as possible.”

Volunteers do not need to have a military background and any age can volunteer for the Legion, although if you’re under the age of 16, you’ll need to be accompanied by an adult.

There are a variety of roles available.

Tina also wants volunteers for the annual Manchester Poppy Day which takes place in Manchester on Friday, November 2.

To find out more, contact Community Fundraiser Tina on 07920 294794.

For further information on the work of the Royal British Legion, visit: www.britishlegion.org.uk

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