Scotland’s leading Armed Forces charity is searching for a new Scottish Poppy Appeal Area Organiser (AO) to lead the fundraising push in Dunblane this year and beyond.
Poppyscotland Head of Fundraising Gordon Michie explains: “We’re looking for individuals, groups of friends, or community organisations that have good organisational skills to step forward to lead this year’s Appeal in Dunblane. Last year, £13,500 was raised in the area, but, without your help, we will struggle to collect even a fraction of that amount.
“By volunteering for Poppyscotland you will be helping us transform the lives of Scottish veterans, those currently serving, and their families who are in need. The money raised from the annual Poppy Appeal enables us to provide life-changing support to those affected by many issues including poverty, mental health problems and disability. Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, and, without their vital support, we simply wouldn’t be able to run the Scottish Poppy Appeal.”
Mr Michie added: “Volunteering with us also offers some great benefits for you, too; our volunteers gain a real sense of achievement, immense pride and satisfaction by doing something worthwhile. It’s also a great opportunity to meet new people and have fun while giving something back, so, if this sounds like something for you, please do get in touch.”
Outgoing AO Lynne Reed has been pioneering the fundraising effort in Dunblane since 2011. Lynne is moving to Newcastle and so is looking to pass the Poppyscotland baton on. She said: “I have found that the public are very much aware of what the Scottish Poppy Appeal stands for and, therefore, it’s not difficult to encourage people to contribute.
“Being the poppy convenor has allowed me to meet lots of interesting people in my own community that I would ordinarily not have come into contact with, such as Air Cadets, the Boys Brigade, and local schoolchildren and teachers. It has made me feel very much a part of the community in which I live.”
And just along the road in Dunfermline is Area Organiser Christine Evans who has been undertaking the role in that neck of the woods since 2012. Christine said: “I’ve been an AO in Dunfermline for six years and really enjoy the interaction with the general public at Poppy Appeal time. Also, working with a great bunch of volunteers is rewarding, especially knowing we are helping support the veteran community in Scotland.”
Area Organisers form a 420-strong team covering every city, town and village in Scotland. They help the charity to pin more than five million poppies on to Scotland’s coats, jackets and jumpers. The Scottish Poppy Appeal raised around the £3 million mark last year thanks to the support of the public and the dedication of 10,000 volunteers. For more information or to chat about this great opportunity, please contact Sally McNaught, Deputy Head of Fundraising at Poppyscotland, on 0131 550 1559, or e-mail at volunteer@poppyscotland.org.uk.
ENDS…
Notes to editors
- For further information please contact David A. Findlay, PR Manager at Poppyscotland, on 0131 550 1580 or 079797 35611, or email at findlay@poppyscotland.org.uk.
- 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: poppyscotland.org.uk.
