Poppy power returns to city on £50,000 Legion mission
POPPY Day collectors returned to Birmingham this week, bouncing back after the pandemic with the aim of raising £50,000 in one day collecting across the city centre.
They took to the streets on Tuesday for the annual Birmingham City Poppy Day collecting cash for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.
Last year they were unable to do so because of Covid.
Over 200 members of the Armed Forces, 100 volunteers, organisations from across the Midlands, Birmingham businesses, and the Lord Mayor of Birmingham were supporting the event, which is the largest one-day street collection in the Midlands.
This year the Royal British Legion celebrates its centenary, marking 100 years of Remembrance.
Since it was first worn as an act of Remembrance just over 100 years ago, the poppy has become an enduring symbol of support for the Armed Forces, past and present. It continues to unite people across all backgrounds, communities, and generations.
Main collection points were held at New Street Station, Snow Hill Station,
Moor Street Station, Cathedral Square, The Big Peg Jewellery Quarter, Bullring and Birmingham International Airport.
Office collections in partnership with local businesses were also taking place throughout the day. There was plenty of entertainment and
encouragement at the event, which featured a Winston Churchill impersonator at various city centre locations.
A Military Band and Forties singer alternated in New Street Station while there were more Forties singers at Birmingham Airport
The Royal British Legion (RBL) is the UK’s largest charity dedicated to supporting the needs of the Armed Forces community, past and present, and their families.
The RBL is the champion of Remembrance and safeguards the Armed Forces Covenant.
It is well known for the annual Poppy Appeal and its emblem the red poppy.