The third annual Aberdeen Poppy Day yesterday saw scores of volunteers from businesses across the North East take to the streets in support of Poppyscotland. Staff from organisations including RBS, Zenith Resources and Aberdeenshire Council joined veterans, serving members of the military and other volunteers to collect money on a day of fun and fundraising.
Lending his support to Aberdeen Poppy Day was golfer Paul Lawrie, who took time away from the course to throw his support behind this year’s Scottish Poppy Appeal. The 1999 Open winner said:
“I know how important it is to try and raise as much as we can for Poppyscotland. We should all be grateful for the job the Servicemen and Servicewomen did and continue to do today. It’s important to do your bit and I’m delighted to help out. The Poppy Appeal is a big deal – and rightly so.”
In addition to scores of collectors across the city, Poppyscotland’s 18-tonne mobile learning resource, Bud, took pride of place in St Nicholas Street. Bud welcomed visitors young and old to learn more about the history and heritage of the Poppy, and to share their stories of reflection and hope. The pipes and drums from Robert Gordon’s College also entertained the crowd with a stirring performance.
Gordon Michie, Head of Fundraising for Poppyscotland, said:
“The support we have received from local businesses, celebrities and the general public has been truly humbling. Aberdeen Poppy Day has been another roaring success.
“While it will take some time to count all the money, the thousands that we expect to have been raised will allow Poppyscotland to provide more of the vital, life-changing support to those in the Armed Forces community who urgently need our help. Together with the people of Aberdeen and the North East, we are showing them that we are behind them. Always.”
Money raised from the Scottish Poppy Appeal and the charity’s year-round fundraising helps to provide 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.
The 2019 Scottish Poppy Appeal reaches its conclusion on Armistice Day this coming Monday when the nation will fall silent for two minutes at 11am to remember those who have served and sacrificed so much in defence of the country.
Notes to Editors
- For further information and all media enquiries, 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.
- Poppyscotland provides life-changing support to the Armed Forces community. Money raised from the Scottish Poppy Appeal 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.
