Poppyscotland appeal to public to remember our Armed Forces Going the extra mile for heroes

For a few weeks every year, many people wear a poppy – but conflict doesn’t respect the calendar and our Armed Forces serve 365 days a year.

Poppyscotland is best known for running the iconic Scottish Poppy Appeal, but the charity works all year round to help those who have served, those still serving and their families receive the care and support they urgently need.

Now Poppyscotland has launched a new campaign, urging people to go the extra mile in their fundraising for this year’s Scottish Poppy Appeal. Every year, almost £3million is raised by the Poppy Appeal but Poppyscotland spends up to £5million annually helping thousands of members of the Armed Services.

Every penny raised – whether its from a bake sale, a poppy bought or an endurance race – goes towards delivering support to members of the Armed Forces community in Scotland by providing tailored funding and assistance.

The charity also funds services

FACT:

40 veterans with disabilities hand-produce the poppies and wreaths each year

10,000 volunteer collectors help Poppyscotland each year

Poppyscotland’s ASAP advice service has generated more than £5million in financial gains for clients

Poppyscotland supports more than 10,000 members of the Armed Forces community each year

FACT: FACT: FACT:

in advice, employment, housing, mental health, mobility and respite.

And Poppyscotland works directly with veterans to ensure that services are as effective as possible and that it uses its funds efficiently.

Gordon Michie, head of fundraising at Poppyscotland, says: “We’re sure the public will once again show their support in buying and wearing their poppy this November. While this provides a vital source of income to fund our life-changing work, we are encouraging supporters to consider going the extra mile for this year’s appeal.

“Every extra penny generated for the Scottish Poppy Appeal will make a massive difference to someone in the Armed Forces community who urgently needs our help.”

There are so many different ways to get involved either through an organised event and activity or by coming up with your own fundraising idea. And every extra penny raised really will make help our Armed Forces. Alison Clark-Dick, 23, from Uddingston, has been raising funds for Poppyscotland for the past six years.

She was encouraged to take part after spotting an appeal for more volunteers to help with the Poppy Appeal and she’s been raising money for the charity ever since.

The politics and history graduate was always interested in the First and Second World Wars, and studied the legacy of the conflicts, mentally and physically, upon serving soldiers.

She says:“These people have given up their freedom, family life, and often their lives for us, so the least I can do is make a bit of an effort to give something back.

“Charities like Poppyscotland need to be supported because they fill an important void, providing things like housing and employment opportunities.”

Alison organised a coffee morning and invited friends, family and neighbours, raising £250.

The following year, she Alison Clark-Dick organised a second one in the local church, raising £750.

Each year, she also works alongside a retired Army Major to organise the local Poppy Appeal. Together, they have raised tens of thousands of pounds. For more info about how you can help or to sign up for a Poppyscotland event, go to www.poppyscotland.org.uk/extra-mile

Alison says:“My grandad fought in World War Two with the RAF but I don’t have anyone in my family in the Forces today. I still think it’s important to do my bit and step up to the mark.”

Donations in the poppy tin are vital but we need to do more fundraising to help our Armed Forces