Proud Poppy launches search for Britain’s biggest volunteer army
07 October 2010
Six-year-old Poppy Ward
today launched Poppy People, The Royal British Legion's drive to
recruit 300,000 volunteers to collect on behalf of the Poppy
Appeal.
Poppy was joined by her father Harvey, a member of The Black Knights, the Royal Artillery's parachute display team and a Sergeant in the Territorial Army's Honourable Artillery Company. Poppy's Beaver Scouts troop helped to collect over £1,300 for the Poppy Appeal last year, and when she pounds the street with her dad this year to help raise money for those on the front line and their families, she will be part of a new generation signing up to be part of the biggest volunteer army assembled in the UK this year.
Thousands of Poppy People will take to the streets and give anything from two hours to two weeks to distribute Poppies and collect thousands of pounds worth of funds during The Poppy Appeal. Their efforts are critical to The Royal British Legion providing financial, social and emotional support to Service and ex-Service personnel and their families.
Russell Thompson OBE, the Director of National Events and Fundraising said: "Enthusiastic volunteers are the lifeblood of our fundraising efforts during The Poppy Appeal. Seeing how someone as young as Poppy can raise huge sums from her local community should be all the inspiration the thousands of potential volunteers who want to help us raise much needed funds, but don't know how, need."
Sgt Ward said: "Poppy and her friends in the Beaver Scouts are excited about this year's appeal. The public responded really well last year and it is brilliant that the younger generation are getting involved in supporting the appeal to make the 2010 Poppy Appeal the biggest ever."
If you are interested in being a Poppy Person complete our online form or call 0800 085 5924.
For more information on how you can help us throughout the year, visit our Volunteering section.
