Londoners raise nearly half a million pounds in one day
07 November 2011
Generous Londoners more than doubled last year's collection in support of our brave Armed Forces on London Poppy Day, raising nearly £450,000 - twice the amount raised last year and within striking distance of the targeted £500,000.
The record-setting amount was raised by an army of uniformed and ex-Service people who took to the Capital's street to collect for The Royal British Legion's annual Poppy Appeal on Thursday 3 November.
Almost 1,000 collectors, including members of the Army, Navy and Royal Air Force, were positioned at 60 tube and train stations around London.
The amount raised easily sets a Poppy Appeal record for a collection in a single day, while several collection points smashed records for the amount raised at one location.
Overwhelming collections from the day included £45,000 raised at Canary Wharf and £38,000 raised at Waterloo station, each of them more than doubling the previous year's donation.
"Londoners have expressed their solidarity with the Armed Forces by giving more than £38,000 per hour over the 12 hours of London Poppy Day," said coordinator Ben Hancock.
"The presence of uniformed personnel in London makes a big impact on the public, and what makes London Poppy Day so unique. I'm thrilled by the amount of money London raised, which would not have been possible without the tremendous support of our volunteers."
Lively events took place to entertain Londoners and encourage them to dig deep for the Poppy Appeal.
Six bands, including the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas, the Central Band of the RAF and the Royal Artillery Band thrilled lunchtime crowds in central London. The Offshore Patrol Vessel HMS Mersey wowed workers at Canary Wharf and Transport for London provided a Routemaster bus to drive around London collection points. Uniformed personnel were also given the free run of the London commuter system.
In addition, Barclays supported London Poppy Day by donating £1 for every journey made on the Barclays Cycle Hire Scheme. Poppy stickers are still on display on selected bikes available in central London.
Among many moments of individual generosity seen on the day included £500 being donated for one of the special knitted poppies, on sale for London Poppy Day only.
A group of collectors from RAF Benson were also invited along to No 10 Downing Street to collect outside London's most famous address.
Director of Fundraising for The Royal British Legion Russell Thompson said: "London Poppy Day was an enormous success thanks to a dedicated team of organisers and volunteers. Thanks to them and the support of the London public, we have smashed last year's record.
"The 2011 Poppy Appeal is about standing shoulder to shoulder with our brave Armed Forces, and Londoners have demonstrated their support, particularly for those serving in current conflicts."
For further information please contact the London Poppy Day PR
team:
Rebecca Williams T: 020 7758 3934 E: rebeccaw@launchgroup.co.uk
Afsheen Latif T: 020 3207 2243 E: alatif@britishlegion.org.uk
Our video of London Poppy Day 2011 can be viewed below or on our YouTube channel.
