By Press Release
The UK’s biggest armed Forces charity, the Royal British Legion (RBL), is appealing for new volunteers to help run its annual Poppy Appeal in Shanklin.
The charity, which organizes the Poppy Appeal every October and November, raises vital funds to help veterans, current armed forces personnel, and their families, who have served and sacrificed for their country.
D-day veteran, 99-year-old Alec Penstone, has been collecting for the Poppy Appeal in Shanklin since 1939 when he was just 14. Alec signed up for the Poppy Appeal to give thanks to the RBL for supporting his father with a bespoke wheelchair. The charity also organized a military funeral for him when he passed away, which Alec was hugely grateful for. Alec said: “During the Poppy Appeal, I love chatting to people about my time in the Navy, especially the youngsters.
“If it wasn’t for the Poppy Appeal, I wouldn’t be so close to others in my community, and I’d encourage anyone who wants to make new friends to be part of it too.”
Julie Lax, RBL’s community fundraiser for the Isle of Wight, said: “The volunteer role is crucial to delivering the appeal and includes distributing poppy boxes, organizing a team of dedicated volunteers, and counting money. You will be fully supported in the role, including receiving training before the Poppy Appeal.”
To find out more and get involved with volunteering for the Poppy Appeal, call 0345 845 1945 or go on-line to iow.life/poppyvolunteer.