The Stoke Gifford branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) is urgently calling for new volunteers to come forward to help with this year’s Poppy Appeal collections, which started on 1st October.
The branch fears that it will be unable to fully staff its usual stands in the large local supermarkets, and also at The Mall, Cribbs Causeway, due to a number of long-serving helpers having to retire from the role due to old age or frailty.
If volunteer numbers cannot be restored, the branch fears it could lose a significant proportion of what it currently raises in the area – approximately £100k for the Bristol Poppy Appeal (and ultimately for members of the Armed Forces, Veterans and their families needing our support).
Branch spokesperson David Bell said:
“We’re making a concerted effort to recruit more volunteers to help us raise this much needed money for the Poppy Appeal. We need volunteers particularly at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway, Sainsbury’s at Stoke Gifford, ASDA at Filton and the Willow Brook shopping centre in Bradley Stoke.”
Sue Potepa, RBL community fundraiser, Bristol and Districts, said:
“It would be wonderful for a new generation of volunteers to join us this year for the Poppy Appeal. Anyone can volunteer for these roles and if people could spare just a few hours to help, it would be really appreciated.”
Billy Wilde, 17, a student at Bradley Stoke Community School (BSCS), is keen to emphasise that people of all ages can help out. He said:
“I have been volunteering for the RBL since I was 5 years old and I have really enjoyed raising money for such a worthy cause, whilst making many new friends, of all ages, along the way. To be able to see how so many of our ex-servicemen and women are helped by the money we raise is incredibly moving.”
He continued:
“This year I have decided to take on the challenge of Cribbs Causeway as the Poppy Appeal organiser because the previous volunteers have retired. This means I need a new team of volunteers to run three stands. Even if you can volunteer for just two hours of your time, your support will be really appreciated. Even if collecting isn’t for you, we have many other volunteering opportunities too.”
If you think you may be able to help in any way, at any location, please contact the Stoke Gifford branch of the RBL by email at rblstokegifford@gmail.com or phone Billy Wilde on 07874 895993.
• Royal British Legion: Stoke Gifford Branch on Facebook
Photo: Billy Wilde collecting for the Stoke Gifford RBL at Cribbs Causeway.
This article originally appeared in the September 2018 issue of the Bradley Stoke Journal news magazine (on page 30). The magazine is delivered FREE, EVERY MONTH, to ALL 8,700 homes in Bradley Stoke. Phone 01454 300 400 to enquire about advertising or leaflet insertion.
