Volunteers needed in Salisbury for Poppy Appeal

Tuesday, 12 September 2023 01:00

With just six weeks to go, the UK’s biggest armed Forces charity, the Royal British Legion, is appealing for new volunteers to help run its annual Poppy Appeal in Salisbury.

The RBL, which raises vital funds to help veterans, serving personnel, and their families, needs volunteers across the city.

The charity, which organises the Poppy Appeal every October and November, relies on more than 3,500 dedicated volunteers to help deliver the appeal across the UK each year.

This year’s Remembrance poppy has been given a make-over and will now be completely plastic-free and easily recycled. The new poppies will be sold alongside stock of the original poppy.

RBL poppy on member of public Image Title: The Royal British Legion's new 100% paper poppy, available for Poppy Appeal from October 2023. Image Description: The Royal British Legion's new 100% paper poppy being worn by a member of the public for its announcement on 19 April 2023. The new poppy is made entirely from paper and can be easily recycled. The RBL is committed to reducing single-use plastic in all its activities in a drive to be economical, sustainable, and less impactful to the environment. The new poppy will be available for the 2023 Poppy Appeal in October, alongside remaining stocks of the current poppy.

Anyone who can spare a few hours between October 28 and November 11 should call 01722 555208, visit rbl.org.uk/poppyappealvolunteer, or email sarum273@gmail.com.

The money raised from the Poppy Appeal can make a vital difference to people in the Armed Forces community.

Bob Barwick is Vice President of the Salisbury Branch of the Royal British Legion. He said: “We would encourage anyone who is interested in volunteering for the Poppy Appeal to get in touch with us to find out more.

“Our volunteers are crucial to delivering the Appeal in Salisbury, and you will be fully supported, including training in Harnham on October 4. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, support your community and build your skills.”

Bob added: "We are having a major launch event for the Poppy Appeal this year on the Market Square on October 28, and with more volunteers on board, we can raise even more money for our local Armed Forces community."

The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal was first held in the aftermath of the First World War in 1921, where red silk poppies were sold, raising over £106,000.

Today, the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal is the charity’s biggest fundraising campaign and takes place every year in the run-up to Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday.