RBL seeks new Poppy Appeal organisers in Devon

The Royal British Legion is seeking new volunteers for this year’s Poppy Appeal in Exeter, Exmouth, Okehampton, Barnstaple, Sidmouth, Chudleigh and Kingsbridge as the RBL celebrates its centenary in 2021, they have approached the Devon Freemasons for help but will still require more manpower.

Last year, the RBL lost millions of pounds in donations after face-to-face collections were cancelled for the first time in the charity’s history due to the Covid pandemic.

But now the charity is looking for new Poppy Appeal Organisers to cover the  above areas.

The Poppy Appeal last year was forced to adapt to the threat of Covid-19, as the nation showed its support from home instead.

Lauren Chilton, Community Fundraiser for Devon North, said: “We really want to thank everyone across our region who got involved and supported the Poppy Appeal in 2020, and although we are only in July, work is already in progress for this year’s Appeal.

“We have seen a reduction in the number of our organisers and collectors following the pandemic, with many still anxious about returning to their normal way of life, but the RBL still has a job to do and we are optimistic that the Appeal will look very different again this time around.

“The RBL’s work is even more vital than ever as we support people from all generations who have new hardships as a result of Covid -19, which has had a devastating impact on people’s livelihoods right across Devon, leaving some in our Armed Forces community in dire need of help and support.”

Lauren added: “Every year our Poppy Appeal Organisers play a critical role across the country to meet the huge public demand for our poppies, the nation’s symbol of Remembrance.

“The Appeal raises about half of the funds we need for our welfare work every year and we will launch the Appeal on October 28, but there is a lot of planning before that date, of course. Anyone who volunteers will receive lots of support and enjoyment from taking part.”

Red poppies are worn proudly by the British public from the launch date until Remembrance Sunday or 11 November, whichever is later.

Anyone who would like to get involved this year can email lchilton@britishlegion.org.uk or call 07458010862 or Izy Shaw Eshaw@britishlegion.org.uk 07808276779