Warwickshire County Poppy Launch

Afghanistan generation focus of Poppy Appeal

The Royal British Legion's 2011 Poppy Appeal in Warwickshire will target support for the wounded and bereaved of Afghanistan. Under the motto, "For their sake, wear a poppy," the Warwickshire Poppy Appeal was launched in The Royal Shakespeare Theatre Stratford on Avon

"The Royal British Legion is the leading UK charity providing direct, practical support for our wounded heroes and bereaved Armed Forces families," said Philip Wilson, County Chairman. "The past 12 bloody months of conflict have increased the need for our help both today and for years to come."

The Poppy Appeal will seek to equal last year's record total of £30+ million, Philip Wilson added. "Despite the current economic hardships, we trust the people of the Legion County of Warwickshire which includes Coventry and Solihull will show their sympathy and support for those who have sacrificed on behalf of their country."

 

"We represented one-third of all the appeals for higher compensation payments for injuries suffered in Afghanistan," Philip Wilson said. "And, our campaigns have led to increased compensation awards which have placed an extra £7.5 million in the pockets of the most seriously injured."

The Legion currently spends more than a £1 million a week in its work helping over 130,000 other members of the Armed Forces Family - dependents, veterans and the bereaved. This year it hopes to extend its reach more than 160,000 beneficiaries.

"In order to fund this work we would like this year's Poppy Appeal to equal last year's record total of £31 million."

To find out more about the Legion or to get involved visit www.britishlegion.org.uk or contact Legionline on 0845 7725 725. Please also visit www.poppy.org.uk  

For information about the Legion in Warwickshire contact Seb Hargreaves, Legion County Manager, Top Floor, White Lion Chambers, Rye Piece Ringway, Bedworth, Warwickshire CV12 8NY, Tel 02476 316 533 or email shargreaves@britishlegion.org.uk

Notes
The Royal British Legion is the nation's leading Armed Forces charity providing care and support to all members of the British Armed Forces past and present and their families. It is also the national Custodian of Remembrance and safeguards the Military Covenant between the nation and its Armed Forces. It is best known for the annual Poppy Appeal and its emblem, the red poppy.

Warwickshire Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal Launch

 

 

 For further information please te;ephone the County Secretary Tel: 02476312974