Every November, millions of people across the country proudly put on their poppies and raise vital funds for our veterans as part of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal. The Legion’s red poppy is a symbol of both remembrance and hope for a peaceful future.
Like so many things, the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal has had to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic.
With some people unable to leave their homes as they normally would to find a poppy, and with many of the charity’s collectors unable to carry out face to face collections, the RBL have unveiled a range of new ways for people to show their support remotely. From donating for poppies through the post for your neighbours and local community, displaying a poppy in your window, donating online or undertaking a virtual Poppy run, there are many ways to support the Poppy Appeal from home in line with Covid-19 restrictions.
Poppies in the Post
The Royal British Legion’s website allows you to request 20 poppies free of charge, which can be distributed to friends and neighbours. Many of the volunteers who usually distribute more than 40 million poppies annually are unable to do so this year, so we are being asked to step in to support the Armed Forces community and ensure their contribution to our country is not forgotten. Please remember to make a donation to the Royal British Legion after requesting your poppies. For more information: https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/ways-to-give/poppies-in-the-post
Printable Poppy
Unfortunately, large scale gatherings will be restricted to a smaller number of representatives this year. The Royal British Legion have therefore launched the Printable Poppy – an A4 poster which can be displayed at home, perhaps in the front window – for us to show our support.
Virtual Poppy
The RBL have created a digital poppy for those unable to purchase a physical one. This augmented reality filter simply places a poppy on the lapel of the user so that anyone on social media can show their support for the Appeal in their Facebook or Instagram stories, whilst a donation sticker allows users and their followers to donate money to this year’s appeal.
To find the filter, simply click here for Instagram and here for Facebook, from your mobile phone.
Poppy Run
A further consequence of COVID-19 are the changes to the My Poppy Run events which are usually held in October and November. Due to social distancing, these are taking place virtually, with participants being able to run, jog or walk while raising money.
Poppy Shop
With products ranging from poppy pins and jewellery, to clothing, stationery and homeware, 100 per cent of profits from the Poppy Shop go towards the Royal British Legion’s work to support the Armed Forces community. Click here, to visit the RBL's Poppy Shop.
Donate online or by text
The Legion’s website allows supporters to make a donation online, or by sending a text message to donate £2, £5 or £10.