Plea for Poppy fundraiser

The search is on to find a new Poppy Scotland fundraiser in Balfron.

The armed forces charity is hoping to recruit a new volunteer in the village to lead the fundraising push this year.

Area organisers (AO) form a 420–strong team covering every city, town and village in Scotland. They help the charity to pin more than five million poppies on to Scotland’s coats, jackets and jumpers.

Poppy Scotland head of fundraising Gordon Michie said: “We’re looking for individuals, businesses, groups of friends, or community organisations that have good organisational skills to step forward to lead this year’s appeal in Balfron.

“Last year, hundreds of pounds were raised in the area, but, without your help, we will struggle to collect even a fraction of that amount and this will have a profoundly detrimental impact on our beneficiaries.

“By volunteering you’ll be helping us transform the lives of veterans in Scotland, those currently serving, and their families who are in need. The money raised from the annual Poppy Appeal enables us to provide life–changing support to those affected by many issues including poverty, mental health problems and disability. Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, and, without their vital support, we simply wouldn’t be able to run the Scottish Poppy Appeal.”

Molly Parsons, who has been a Poppy Scotland area organiser in Killearn for nearly a decade, added: “I really enjoy the interaction with the general public at Poppy Appeal time. Working with a great bunch of volunteers is rewarding, especially knowing we are helping to support the veteran community in Scotland. I have found that the public are very much aware of what the Scottish Poppy Appeal stands for and, therefore, it’s not difficult to encourage people to contribute.”

The Scottish Poppy Appeal raised more than £3million last year thanks to the support of the public and volunteers. The 2017 total for Balfron was £630.

Contact Sally McNaught, deputy head of fundraising at Poppy Scotland, on 0131 550 1559 or e-mail at volunteer@ poppyscotland.org.uk.