Volunteers needed in Rochdale for Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal

Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal

With 100 days to go, the UK’s biggest armed Forces charity, the Royal British Legion, is appealing for new volunteers to help run its annual Poppy Appeal in Rochdale.

The RBL, which raises vital funds to help veterans, serving personnel, and their families, organises the Poppy Appeal every October and November, and relies on more than 3,500 dedicated volunteers to help deliver the appeal across the UK each year.

This year’s Remembrance poppy has been given a make-over and will now be completely plastic-free and easily recycled. The new poppies will be sold alongside stock of the original poppy.

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.

Alison Clowes has been a Poppy Appeal collector in Oldham since 2018. She said: “As part of the local Air Cadet unit we were assisting with the Poppy Appeal each year, and then I was asked if I would be able to take over as the volunteer organiser.

“I love being out and about, engaging with the public and listening to stories from veterans or family members of veterans and current serving personnel. It's good fun and very rewarding.”

Scott Pringle is a community fundraiser for the Royal British Legion in Greater Manchester. He said: “We would encourage anyone who is interested in volunteering for the Poppy Appeal to get in touch with us to find out more.

“If you are looking for a more active part in the appeal, we would love to find new Poppy Appeal organisers in Bolton and Rochdale. This role is crucial to delivering the appeal in the county and includes distributing poppy boxes, organising a team of dedicated volunteers, and counting money. You will be fully supported in the role, including receiving training before the Poppy Appeal.

“If you are well organised with excellent time management, capable of leading a small team, able to build key relationships and have strong verbal and written communications, a Poppy Appeal organiser role may be perfect for you.”

Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, support your community and build your skills. 

The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal was first held in the aftermath of the First World War in 1921, where red silk poppies were sold, raising over £106,000.

Today the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal is the charity’s biggest fundraising campaign and takes place every year in the run up to Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday.

To find out more and get involved with volunteering for the Poppy Appeal, visit rbl.org.uk/poppyappealvolunteer or call 0345 845 1945.