Poppy Appeal Press background information
24 October 2010
The 2010 Poppy Appeal is focusing on those currently serving as recent casualties and injuries in Afghanistan highlight the increasing need for our help both today and for years to come.
The Poppy Appeal traditionally takes place in the two-week period running up to Armistice Day on 11 November, when the Nation pauses for a Two Minute Silence to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice during their service for their country. In 2010, it will run until Remembrance Sunday on 14 November.
More background information can be found at:
Poppy Appeal 2010
Our annual Poppy Appeal is the Legion's major fundraising campaign and our aim this year is to surpass last year's total, allowing us to continue the work that means so much to the thousands of serving and ex-Service people and their families who approach The Royal British Legion every year for help.
The Legion helps people of all ages, providing financial, social and emotional help to all those who have been affected by conflict. Increasingly we see younger people coming to us for help. Beneficiaries range from children to widows, from single mothers to pensioners, in fact anyone who finds themselves in need of help. Some 9.5 million people are eligible to approach us for support.
Last year the Appeal raised a record total of just under £35 million. Much of this money goes to fund the Legion's range of welfare services set up to support those who have served and continue to serve in the British Armed Forces. This year we hope to reach £36 million to help fund some of our new initiatives and further our work.
- The Legion has committed £25 million to the Personnel Recovery Centres, including £12 million to The Royal British Legion Battle Back Challenge Centre, a facility being built to enhance the recovery of wounded, injured and sick Service personnel, which will become a national centre of excellence for adaptive sport and adventure training with the military at its core.
- The Legion spends over £200,000 a day on providing welfare and support for our Armed Forces.
- The Legion's campaigns have resulted in more than £12 million in increased compensation paid to our most seriously injured Service personnel.
- The Independent Inquest Advice Service is a new service launched to help provide free, independent expert legal advice and assistance to bereaved Armed Forces families through the inquest process.
For press enquires about the Poppy Appeal or Remembrance please contact the Legion Press Office on 020 3207 2242, 2237, 2235, 2238, 2239.
The Poppy Appeal today
- In 2009, the Poppy Appeal raised almost £35 million for serving and ex-Service people and their dependants.
- Some 300,000 volunteers help to organise and collect for the Poppy Appeal each year.
- Each year the Poppy Appeal distributes around 36 million poppies, 100,000 wreaths and sprays and 750,000 Little Remembrance Crosses. These items are made at the Legion's Poppy Factory in Richmond, Surrey.
- Poppy protocol - A poppy can be worn at any time, but they are usually available two weeks before Remembrance Sunday. They are made available to broadcasters and politicians in advance which is why they are able to wear them earlier if they so choose.
- You do not have to be a member of the Legion to become a Poppy Appeal collector or organiser. To become involved call 0800 085 5924, visit www.britishlegion.org.uk/volunteers or email Poppy People
Donating to the Poppy Appeal
The Legion urges members of the public to support the hundreds of thousands of people who need our help by wearing a poppy and making a donation to the Poppy Appeal.
- By telephone - call Free phone 0845 845 1945
- By text - text the word Poppy to 70090
- Online - visit the Poppy Appeal website at www.poppy.org.uk
- In person - the Legion has thousands of street collectors and many shops, pubs and businesses have Legion collecting boxes on their premises too.
- By post - send a cheque made payable to The Royal British Legion to: The Royal British Legion, RBL Village, Aylesford Kent ME20 7NX
Other news items relating to the the Poppy Appeal can be viewed here.
And we have a photo gallery of Poppy Appeal images, including our poster campaign.
