Organiser needed for town
A charity is appealing for a new fundraiser for a West Lothian community.
Poppyscotland is searching for a new volunteer Scottish Poppy Appeal area organiser to lead the fundraising push in Broxburn.
Poppyscotland head of fundraising, Gordon Michie, explains: “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 Broxburn. Last year, more than £3700 was 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 for Poppyscotland you will 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.”
Mr Michie added: “Volunteering with us also offers some great benefits for you, too; our volunteers gain a real sense of achievement, immense pride and satisfaction by doing something worthwhile. It’s also a great opportunity to meet new people and have fun while giving something back, so, if this sounds like something for you, please do get in touch.”
One person who is keen to highlight the benefits of the role is Sandy Henderson, who has been a Poppyscotland area organiser since 2013. Sandy said: “I’ve been an AO in Livingston for more than five years and really enjoy the interaction with the general public at Poppy Appeal time.
“Also, 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.”
And Sandy’s advice to anyone thinking about becoming an a rea organiser for Poppyscotland is clear: “Just do it – no thought needed. You’ll be amazed by the support you receive – the businesses and public are lovely and I’d encourage anyone to get out there and meet them.”
Area organisers form a 420-strong team covering every city, town and village in Scotland.
For more information or to chat about the opportunity, contact Sally McNaught, deputy head of fundraising at Poppyscotland, on 0131 550 1559 or 07941 851 589, or e- mail at volunteer@ poppyscotland.org.uk.