Why every Sun reader MUST become a Poppy Star this year
IF you need proof that every Sun reader MUST become a Poppy Star, ask Barry Mugglestone.
He is chairman of the Royal British Legion’s Elm Park branch in East London, which last year raised more than £40,000 for the Poppy Appeal.
But because of Covid, Barry has collected less than £500 this year, while elderly collectors are unable to get out or are struggling to drum up money because the high street is so quiet ahead of Remembrance Day on November 11.
So Sun reader Barry, 56, and his partner, retired teacher Stephanie Nunn, instead created a memorial wall where locals can write on a poppy cross to remember loved ones who served and make a donation. So far they have 65 crosses on the wall, raising £427, and they hope to fill it by November 11.
Barry and Stephanie are backing The Sun’s campaign to help save our Poppy Day — urging people to buy a poppy online, donate on the Royal British Legion’s website or visit a supermarket to buy a poppy.
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STEPPING UP
Ford worker Barry, who has put up our Sun poppy poster next to his wall, says: “We made £40,168 last year and we were going to build on that.
“But Covid has hit us for six. We need to bring in money and it’s important every Sun reader does their bit.” The usual Remembrance Day parade in Elm Park is cancelled — as well as the auction normally held after the Remembrance Service, which last year raised nearly £2,500.
But Sun Savers are stepping up. As well as buying poppies online, they have donated over £30,000.
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Retired sales boss Bill Woolerton, 68, donated £50 from his Sun Savers wallet. He says: “When I knew poppy sellers wouldn’t be out on the street, I knew I’d donate what I could.”
Meanwhile, Noah Owen, seven, of Bexhill-on-Sea in East Sussex, has raised £930 singing songs on YouTube for the Poppy Appeal — and plans to build on that by November 11, maybe even getting some celebrities to sing with him.
Here are ways that you too can be a Poppy Star.
How to be a poppy star
THE pandemic may have stopped thousands of sellers from hitting the streets — but it doesn’t have to stop you from buying a poppy. MIKE RIDLEY looks at some of the ways you can do your bit for the appeal by going to:
- Fundraise for appeal: Move to Remember and the 11/11 Challenge are among the fundraising suggestions from the appeal itself. Free fundraising packs on the website will give the help and support you will need.
- Poppies in the post: Help make up for the reduced number of volunteer collectors by requesting 20 poppies free of charge from the RBL — and then giving them to friends and family yourself in return for a donation.
- My poppy run 2020: Run, walk or jog any distance, anywhere and at any time. Get family and friends involved to raise cash. And buy a T-shirt to run in and a medal to give to yourself afterwards!
- Visit the poppy shop: There is an extensive range of products from poppy pins and jewellery to clothing, stationery and homeware. All profits fund the Legion’s work in supporting the Armed Forces community.
- Make online donation: Alternatively, you could just visit the British Legion’s website and make a donation. You can choose a one-off payment or set up a regular amount — and no amount is too small.
…OR POP INTO YOUR LOCAL SAINSBURY’S, TESCO, ASDA, ALDI OR MORRISONS AND BUY A POPPY
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