2020 Poppy Appeal officially launches in Cornwall
The Royal British Legion says the appeal will take a different approach this year
The 2020 Poppy Appeal is officially launching in Cornwall, with the Royal British Legion warning that the coronavirus pandemic has left some in the armed forces community in 'dire need of support'.
The charity says the appeal will take a different approach this year, but will still demonstrate "heart and fighting spirit" as its loyal volunteers rise to the challenges that 2020 has brought.
Like so many things this year, the appeal has had to adapt to the threat of Covid-19 and the Royal British Legion is asking the public to support them like they never have before.
People can donate using contactless payments, through QR codes and by getting involved in remote events.
“Despite the challenges we face we still have a job to do as the impact of Covid-19 has left some in the Armed Forces community, as in many others, in dire need of urgent help and support. Sadly, due to necessary shielding many of our network of volunteers has been greatly reduced as has the places and ways that we can collect. However, we have galvanised our own Poppy Troops to create the best appeal possible despite the many obstacles this dreadful virus has thrown our way.
“In addition to our usual poppy presence across Cornwall, many collectors in higher footfall areas will have contactless card payment devices by which a donation can be made safely and directly. The machines are in addition to our usual iconic red cash collection tins and buckets. Add to these our Every Poppy Counts QR Code Posters around the County (through which people can donate to us by simply using their mobile phone), and we hope that the general public will once again rally around us to ensure a great 2020 Campaign.”
Annie Binding, Cornwall County Fundraiser for the charity
For those who may like to do something completely different to support this year’s appeal, the charity is encouraging the general public to check out its website to find remote activities in which they can take part.
This could be simply ordering poppies through the post for their friends, neighbours and local community or printing a poppy from the RBL website and displaying it in their window. They could even undertake a virtual poppy run or sign up for one of the amazing events and award-winning overseas challenges run by RBL.
“Dealing with the pandemic has certainly brought home the sense of duty we all have to protect the most vulnerable in our society and our way of life. The same sense of duty has endured through generations of our Armed Forces community from the oldest of our Second World War veterans to the newest recruits, and this year once again they have been there when we need them, standing alongside essential workers on the front line in the fight against Covid-19.
“In a year that has marked 75 years since Victory in Europe and Japan and 70 years since the conflict in Korea, we have rightly shone a spotlight on the legacy of the elderly members of the Armed Forces community, and their ongoing support needs in old age. This is a generation who has demonstrated strength in adversity and a generation who has brought wisdom and solidarity as we have faced some of our most difficult times since the end of the Second World War. Our Poppy Appeal has a very special place in the hearts of the public. Remembrance is part of the fabric of society, it brings people together from all backgrounds, cultures and generations, and reminds us of our shared history that has brought us to the free and peaceful society we live in today. The unique contribution of the Armed Forces spans the generations.
"They support us when we need them, and that is why the Legion has their back through thick and thin. However, we cannot deliver our mission without the support of the general public. We need their help.”
Andy Eke, Cornwall RBL County Chairman