Generosity of Birmingham people praised.
On 5th November, with a flourish, a flash mob and a fanfare of trumpets, an army of volunteers were drafted in to the streets of Birmingham to collect for the City’s own Poppy Day. Soldiers, sailors, airmen, members of the public from across the business communities and faith groups joined together to make this one day during the Poppy Appeal stand out and highlight the ongoing need for the work of The Legion to continue.
An incredible £46,000 was collected on this one day, a huge increase on last year’s total of £30,000.
Not only did people donate money to make the day a success, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s and Costa’s brought out trays of hot drinks for the band and collectors, British Home Stores donated sandwiches and East End foods gave pallets of water.
Birmingham City FC’s Koby Arthur put in a star appearance challenging members of the public to ‘keepy uppy’ and comedian Paul Foot joined the team on office raids around Colmore Square. Lord Mayor, Councillor Shafique Shah ‘signed up’ First World War style and behind the scenes Birmingham City Council enabled the smooth running of key aspects of the day.
Claire Rowcliffe, Head of Regional Fundraising, The Royal British Legion said: “It is people’s generosity of time, money and spirit that has made Birmingham Poppy Day such a success. Members of the military gave up a day’s leave, individuals in the choir travelled miles to join the flash mob, faith groups such as the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association and Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, joined volunteers from banks, building societies, solicitors firms and students to keep the collection going beyond the rush hour.
” Every single contribution will ensure that The Legion can continue to support our Armed Forces family now and in the future.”
The Poppy Appeal is the nation’s largest and most loved fundraising campaign in support of our Armed Forces and this year, The Royal British Legion is aiming to raise £40 million during the Appeal.
Every poppy helps to support the British Armed Forces past and present, and their families, by contributing towards the £1.4 million needed by the Legion each week to deliver direct, practical care and support to the service community. Last year The Royal British Legion answered more than 200,000 calls for help from the Armed Forces community.
