With 100 days 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 Huddersfield.
The RBL, which raises vital funds to help veterans, serving personnel, and their families, needs volunteers in various parts of Yorkshire, particularly Huddersfield, Pontefract, Barnsley and Doncaster.
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.
Anyone interested in finding out more about being a volunteer can contact the RBL on a dedicated helpline 0345 845 1945, or online at rbl.org.uk/poppyappealvolunteer.
The money raised from the Poppy Appeal can make a vital difference to people in the armed forces community. In South and West Yorkshire last year, the charity helped more than 500 people in a range of ways, from mental health support, help with recovery, advice on gaining employment, housing and managing the cost of living, with grants totalling £323,000.
Frances Barker, a community fundraiser for the Royal British Legion in Yorkshire, spent 17 years as a volunteer in Leeds. She said: “We would encourage anyone who is interested in volunteering for the Poppy Appeal to get in touch with us to find out more.
“If you are looking for a more active part in the appeal, we would love to find new Poppy Appeal organisers for Huddersfield, Barnsley, Doncaster and Pontefract.
“This role is crucial to delivering the appeal in the county and includes distributing poppy boxes, organising a team of dedicated volunteers and counting money. You will be fully supported in the role, including receiving training before the Poppy Appeal.
“If you are well organised with excellent time management, capable of leading a small team, able to build key relationships and have strong verbal and written communications, a Poppy Appeal organiser role may be perfect for you.”
Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, support your community and build your skills.
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.
To find out more and get involved with volunteering for the Poppy Appeal, visit rbl.org.uk/poppyappealvolunteer or call 0345 845 1945.
