POPPY APPEAL LAUNCHED
RAF DOCTOR HELPS LAUNCH THIS YEAR’S APPEAL
THIS year’s Poppy Appeal has been launched with the publication of a series of photographs reflecting the impact of coronavirus on the lives of people in the armed forces, veterans and those who support them.
The Royal British Legion said it is exploring new ways of enabling people to show their support this year in light of lockdowns and social distancing.
Among those photographed to promote the Poppy Appeal was Flight Lieutenant Samantha Rawlinson, from Loughborough, an RAF doctor who has been supporting the NHS by working in intensive care wards at Birmingham Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
She said: “The need for the Poppy Appeal hasn’t gone away just because there are fewer collectors on the streets this year.
“I have seen the impact of the pandemic first-hand, and know how important it is for those within the armed forces community who are in need to have organisations like the Royal British Legion to turn to.
“The legion does so much for the armed forces community, from the oldest Second World War veteran to much younger veterans and current serving personnel.
“The services it provides are still desperately needed which is why it’s so important for people to show their support.”
The appeal, which runs from today until Armistice Day on November 11, raises money to support existing and former services personnel with injuries, bereavements and other hardships.
Others featured in the appeal this year include a retired couple from Oldham who have been selling poppies for 10 years but are currently shielding, and a 29-year-old former soldier who credits the legion with saving his life during the pandemic as he struggled with debt and unemployment.
With many of the charity’s collectors unable to make face-to-face collections this year, the legion is calling on the public to buy poppies for their neighbours, display a poppy in their window, donate online or take part in a virtual Poppy Run.
Director of fund-raising Claire Rowcliffe said: “In a year where our homes and streets have developed new meaning for us all, and with many people not able to donate in their usual way, we are bringing the Poppy Appeal 2020 right to the hearts of individuals, families and communities across the UK with a variety of ways for people to get involved, whatever their circumstances.
“While the Covid-19 pandemic undoubtedly makes running the appeal more difficult, the additional hardships it has brought about means our work is now more vital than ever.
“The pandemic has had a devastating impact on people’s livelihoods and way of life, leaving some in the armed forces community in dire need of urgent help and support.
“We are seeing people struggling to cope with the loss of loved ones, facing homelessness and unemployment, and battling mental health issues.
“Every poppy makes a difference.” A variety of cashless donation options are available for paper poppies and other products this year, including QR codes, texts and contactless payments.
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