Annual poppy appeal approaches
The biggest fundraiser of the year for the Invercargill RSA is fast approaching, as boxes offering red poppies in exchange for a donation have been appearing on shop counters.
During the past few weeks, the call has been made for volunteers for the annual red poppy street appeal.
Invercargill RSA secretary/ treasurer Cindy Kennedy said there had a pretty good response so far, but more people wanting to help to raise money for the RSA were always welcome.
‘‘We usually try to have between 40 and 50 people out on the street ... both young and old.
‘‘We’re always looking for volunteers.’’
She had noticed an upturn in the number of young people volunteering, she said.
While poppies are on sale in shops already, the street appeal day is on Friday.
It’s the biggest fundraiser for welfare of returned servicemen and women the RSA holds, Kennedy said.
Other fundraisers throughout each year were usually just raffles.
It was important to remember that the RSA supported not only defence force personnel, but the likes of police as well, and Anzac day was not just about World War I and II, she said.
‘‘With the guys that have been overseas in recent years, we’re probably going to see a bit more people needing support. I don’t say that lightly.
‘‘We haven’t seen much of it here in Invercargill, but I’m sure it’s going to come through eventually.’’
While Anzac day commemorations this year would follow a similar format to previous years, Kennedy said a celebration would be organised in the coming months to mark 100 years since the Invercargill RSA was formed.
It was likely to be held in June or July, she said.
If you would like to volunteer for the red poppy appeal in Invercargill, you can email invercargillrsa@iwmc.co.nz