The Poppy Appeal 2016 launched this weekend at Bluewater, Europe’s leading retail and leisure destination, as The Royal British Legion encouraged people to ‘rethink Remembrance’ during this year’s campaign. The poppy and the work of the Legion are often associated with the First and Second World Wars and elderly veterans, however the charity is calling on the public to consider all generations of the Armed Forces community when they wear their poppy this year.
Two teams of ‘superheroes and real heroes’ took on a tug of war and collection challenge at the Legion’s Kent Poppy Appeal launch at Bluewater, highlighting a modern approach to the way we remember.
After an incredible response to last year’s shop, The Royal British Legion and Bluewater once again opened the poppy pop-up shop. All sales generated have gone to help raise vital funds for the important work The Royal British Legion does in providing care and support to members of the British Armed Forces, veterans and their families.
The pop-up shop is located in the Lower Rose Gallery of Bluewater near John Lewis from Monday 24th October to Sunday 13th November.
Collections for the Legion will also take place between 29th October and 13th November outside M&S. To commemorate Armistice Day, the day that marks the end of the First World War, Bluewater will host a Two Minute Silence on November 11th at 11:00am to remember all those lost in conflict.
Speaking about the launch, Graham Ferris Community Fundraising Manager for South East said
“During the Poppy Appeal this year we’re asking people to widen their lens when they reflect on Remembrance. The Legion is here for all generations of the Armed Forces community, and it’s important to remember there’s a new generation that needs your support.”
“Every donation received will make a real difference to the lives of Service men and women, veterans and their loved ones.”
“The fundraising target in Kent is £1.5 million, which will go towards the Legion’s national target of £43 million to continue its vital work delivering practical funds, through life care and support to the Armed Forces community.”
“In the last year, the generosity of the British public helped the Legion answer more than 780,000 requests for help. The Legion uses donations to offer support in many ways including providing crisis grants, researching the impact of blast injuries on the body, lobbying the government on key issues, and advising on benefits and money problems.”
The Royal British Legion’s Director of Fundraising Claire Rowcliffe added:
“The Poppy Appeal 2016 is encouraging the public to recognise the service and sacrifices made across all generations of the British Armed Forces.”
“Service can come in many forms from being parted from family and loved ones for long periods of time, to physical and mental injury, and sadly making the ultimate sacrifice. The Legion’s role remains as contemporary and as vital as it has ever been supporting today’s generation of Service personnel, veterans, and their families whether living with an injury or illness, coping with bereavement or finding employment.”
Commenting on the launch of the Poppy Appeal, Robert Goodman, Bluewater’s General Manager, said:
“Bluewater is proud to host The Royal British Legion’s launch of the Poppy Appeal in Kent. This year’s launch continues the wonderful response we have had from the public in previous years and we are honoured to again lend our support to this cause.”