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Plea for volunteers to help with poppy appeal as Mayor of Kensington backs campaign

Summary:

A mayoral reception was held at the town hall.

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By Sandra Saadi

The Kensington branch of the Royal British Legion is looking for volunteers to get involved in this year’s poppy appeal.

The campaign will run for two weeks from Saturday October 26 to Monday November 22 and the Kensington branch is hoping to get at least 20 more people to volunteer this year.

A mayoral reception at the town hall was held to support the campaign in Kensington early this month and to raise awareness about the upcoming appeal.

“It was the first time the mayor has given a reception for the poppy appeal which is rather nice. Especially for those who have volunteered for years. The mayor supports the poppy appeal every year by collecting for the campaign,” said Kensington organiser Mr Timothy Connolly.

Mr Connolly has been volunteering for 35 years and has become the Kensington Poppy appeal organiser four years ago. He has previously served to the Territorial Army and Cadet Forces as a volunteer too.

“We do need organisers and poppy collectors and those who will help behind the scenes for at least two hours over the two week. It is very difficult for the Royal British Legion to raise money without the help of volunteers,” he said.

The Kensington branch is running a wide campaign to get people involved, through articles in the borough newspapers and stands set up in supermarkets.

“We have tremendous support from businesses and supermarkets. We are very grateful they allow us to use their stores to collect,’ Mr Connolly added.

The Royal British Legion needs £1.6million every week to organize and support people badly injured and the families of those who have been killed during the past and present conflicts. This year, the poppy appeal organizers hope to raise £37million across the country.

To get involved call 0800 085 5924, send an email at [email protected], or visit the website www.poppy.org.uk.

Photo courtesy of comedy_nose, with thanks.

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