Poppy appeal launches in capital
THIS year’s Poppy Appeal will launch in Cardiff today as the Royal British Legion marks the centenary of the end of World War I by saying “thank you” to the generation who served, sacrificed and changed our world.
This year the Legion is leading a movement to recognise the contribution of the entire First World War generation including servicemen, the Commonwealth, women, children, pioneers and artists.
Cadets from the Military Preparation Training College in Cardiff, primary school children and military personnel will be joining the movement and encouraging locals to show their gratitude.
They will also attend the Poppy Appeal launch at the temporary exhibition of Commonwealth War Graves at the Firing Line Museum at Cardiff Castle.
The fundraising target in Cardiff is £230,000, which will go towards the Legion’s biggest ever national target of £50m to continue its vital work delivering practical help, through life care and support to the armed forces community.
The Royal British Legion’s director of fundraising Claire Rowcliff said: “During the Poppy Appeal 2018 we are calling on the nation to say ‘thank you’ to the First World War generation, not just the British Armed Forces, but those who fought alongside them from today’s Commonwealth and the countless men, women and children who played their part of the home front.
“The work of the Legion is as relevant and vital today as it was in the aftermath of the First World War when the charity was founded.
“The donation for your poppy will help the Legion support today’s Armed Forces community through hardships, injury and bereavements.
“Generations of the armed forces have continued to serve and sacrifice since the First World War, and we recognise and thank them all for their contribution.”
A wooden cross will be laid at each set of graves by one of the children or cadets during a short remembrance service that will be led at the graves, by Canon Stewart Lisk.
Over the past year, the generosity of the British public helped the Legion answer thousands of requests for support. The Legion uses donations in many ways, including providing crisis grants, researching the long-lasting impact of blast injuries on the body, lobbying the Government on issues that affect our community, sport- and art-based recovery programmes and advising on benefits and money issues.
Ms Rowcliff added: “This Poppy Appeal we have set our highest ever target at £50m. The Legion’s work is entirely dependent on the public’s generous support – so please wear your poppy with pride and dig deep, knowing that you are supporting our armed forces community.”