In just under 3 weeks, we will be launching our annual Poppy Appeal. As a very special supporter of the Royal British Legion, I’ll be writing to you again so you’ll be the first to see what we’re up to, but in the meantime, I wanted to give you a quick update on this year’s Appeal.
Our collectors have been at the heart of the Poppy Appeal in local communities for over 100 years, and we were devastated that last year, for the first time in the history of the Poppy Appeal, we were unable to carry out face-to-face collections in England and Wales due to COVID restrictions.
But I am delighted to say that this year, as we celebrate the Centenary of the RBL, our collectors will be back out in communities raising vital funds for the 2021 Poppy Appeal.
The Appeal launches on Thursday 28th October, so please do keep an eye out for your local Poppy Collector, after this date, and give them a very warm (albeit socially distanced!) welcome back.
Sadly, the impact of the cancelled collections last year has had a huge impact on the charity, which, despite overwhelming support from the public, resulted in a shortfall in income of over £20M in what we’d hoped to raise to support the Armed Forces community. It’s therefore vital that we make this year’s Appeal a success. Please join us in making every poppy count.
As well as wearing your Poppy with pride, we have a range of different activities for you to get involved with to show your support this year. From taking part in one of our exclusive Poppy Runs, to taking on the 11/11 fundraising challenge, making a donation online and receiving a downloadable poppy, or requesting paper poppies online and distributing them to your friends and families. Please do join us once again in making every poppy count this year.
For 100 years we have been fighting on behalf of our Armed Forces community. We believe that no-one who has served to protect our freedom should be disadvantaged because of the sacrifices they have made. With your continued support we are able to continue to support them. From all of us here, thank you for sharing our commitment to honour the fallen whilst supporting those who need our help. Please help us make every poppy count.
Simon O’Leary
Assistant Director of Fundraising, Poppy Appeal
Royal British Legion