The UK’s largest Armed Forces charity is appealing for volunteers to help run the annual Poppy Appeal in North Yorkshire.
Held every October and November throughout Remembrance, the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal relies on more than 3,500 volunteers across the UK to help run the appeal in their communities.
To help deliver this year’s appeal in Ripon, the RBL is asking locals if they can spare some time to volunteer for the charity to help veterans, current personnel and their families, who have served and sacrificed for their country.
Speaking to GB News, Amanda Clements-Hunt, the Poppy Appeal Manager for the Royal British Legion in North Yorkshire, said: “Guys that are still serving go out every day okay, they don’t know what’s going to happen every day and they still go out knowing that they may not come home.
Your Poppy Appeal needs YOU! Britons urged to come forward as Royal British Legion seeks volunteersGB News
Amanda Clements-Hunt, the Poppy Appeal Manager for the Royal British Legion in North Yorkshire
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“My life has always been involved in the last 23 years with the Royal British Legion. They came to me when my husband was killed while serving and they changed my life.
“It is a great team to be and a great family to join, so all I can do is encourage people to come along and join us in raising money for the Armed Forces community. It will change your life.”
Volunteers help to distribute poppies within their communities – nearly 35 million across the UK – and can take on a range of roles, from committing a couple of hours of time to becoming a Poppy Appeal Organiser and leading a team of dedicated volunteers in their area.
The poppy represents those who lost their lives on active service, from the beginning of the First World War to the present day.
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The poppy represents those who lost their lives on active service
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Royal British Legion poppies
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Major Dave Shaw is supporting the Poppy Appeal in North Yorkshire. He worked in the Army for 30 years and is now part of the reserve service.
“It’s a national respect for those who have fallen in protection of our country and our people,” said Major Shaw.
“It’s a fantastic way to show our support, but also a vehicle to help us raise money and assist those in need.”
Veteran Gordon Chapman served for 23 years in Army as part of the catering corps and fundraises for the charity. For Gordon, the Royal British Legion is a lifeline.
“I know if I need them for one reason or another, whether it’s financial, medical or anything like that,” he told GB News.
“They’re one phone call away. They can give me the support or signpost me to in the right direction, and there’s so many, ex force members that really need the British Legion.”
Major Dave Shaw is supporting the Poppy Appeal in North Yorkshire
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Veteran Gordon Chapman served for 23 years in Army
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The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal is the charity’s largest fundraising campaign and takes place every year in the run up to Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday.
Money raised from the Poppy Appeal makes a vital difference to people in the Armed Forces community, whatever the need, whenever it’s needed. This can include expert advice and practical support, everything from housing, debt and addiction issues, recovery from injury, getting back into work, and campaigning for better treatment of serving personnel and veterans, to help with the cost-of-living crisis.
Anyone interested in finding out more about being a volunteer can contact the RBL on a dedicated helpline 0345 845 1945, or online at rbl.org.uk/poppyappealvolunteer.