Aberdeen Poppy Day returned to the city with a bang today with scores of volunteers and an MP hitting the streets to help raise funds for the leading Armed Forces charity. Ross Thomson, the MP for Aberdeen South, joined forces with a group of eager volunteers from RBS to collect in the morning, in St Nicholas Square. Elsewhere in the city, a host of other volunteers, groups and businesses did their bit for this year’s Scottish Poppy Appeal.
Joining RBS were a number of other well-known corporates, such as accountancy firm Anderson, Anderson & Brown, accountant and business advisory firm Johnson Carmichael, the Department for Work and Pensions, and bus operator Stagecoach North East. Representatives from Legion Scotland, including a number of veterans, were out on the streets, too.
As well as the city-wide fundraising effort, entertainment throughout the day was provided by the Robert Gordon’s College Band. Also on display was a customised motorbike, owned by local man David Smith, whose grandfather served in the Gordons Highlanders from 1914 to 1917 and lost an eye during the Battle of Ypres. David and his family were adorned in regimental uniform. The day culminated with a ‘Thank You’-themed ceremony at the Gordon Highlanders Statue at Mercat Cross.
Ross Thomson MP said: “Going out to collect for the Scottish Poppy Appeal is my way of showing thanks to all of those who do go out and raise money for Poppyscotland. We all have busy lives, but without those who volunteer and dedicate their time, this just would not happen. And that goes for everyone right across Scotland who do so much for those who serve and have served our country.
“Since I came into politics, I have had a passion for supporting our Armed Forces veterans, so to get time to spend with volunteers to support such a fantastic charity as Poppyscotland, then I can’t of anything better I could do with my time.”
Mr Thomson added: “Far too often, we get caught up in work and caught up in life, but this is the one time of year where we can make a difference. It doesn’t take much time and effort to go out and make a donation and wear your poppy with pride and that contribution can make a really big difference to our veterans. It’s not often we do get to say ‘Thank You’, but this is our time to do that.”
Mark Gall, Regional Managing Director, Corporate and Commercial, Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “Royal Bank of Scotland is delighted to have been given this opportunity to help Poppyscotland, a charity which offers life changing support for the Armed Forces community. Bank staff from across Aberdeen and the North East have joined together today to assist with fundraising and we are touched by the generosity of the public in this city who have been so supportive to such an important cause.”
Gordon Michie, Head of Fundraising for Poppyscotland, said: “It’s great to see such a wonderful atmosphere in Aberdeen today and the wonderful interaction between our volunteers and the general public who have given so generously once again.
“Special thanks must go to all who have volunteered in Aberdeen. It is really is appreciated, and I think it’s important for people to know that during this Centenary Poppy Appeal, the money raised will be used to help members of our Armed Forces and their families who need it today. Yes, we look back on the sacrifices made during the First World War, but the need for our help today is as strong as ever.”
Notes to editors
- For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact David A. Findlay, PR Manager at Poppyscotland, on 079797 35611, or email at d.findlay@poppyscotland.org.uk.
- Pictures are free to use. Where appropriate, please credit: M Owens/Poppyscotland. Featured in the images is Ross Thomson, the MP for Aberdeen South; Mark Gall, Regional Managing Director, Corporate and Commercial, Royal Bank of Scotland; and Frances Beveridge, Poppyscotland Regional Fundraiser for the North of Scotland.
- Aberdeen Poppy Day 2017 raised £2,074.79. Poppyscotland provides life-changing support to the Armed Forces community. Money raised from the Scottish Poppy Appeal – including Aberdeen Poppy Day – and Poppyscotland’s year-round fundraising enables them to deliver support to members of the Armed Forces community in Scotland by providing tailored funding and assistance. The charity also funds services in advice, employment, housing, mental health, mobility and respite. Please note that we are known as “Poppyscotland”, and not “PoppyScotland” or “Poppy Scotland”. For more information, please visit us at: www.poppyscotland.org.uk.
