EDINBURGH AIRPORT GETS 2013 SCOTTISH POPPY APPEAL OFF TO FLYING START
Edinburgh Airport’s iconic air traffic control tower has been turned red for all to see as part of a host of exciting activities at the airport to support the 2013 Scottish Poppy Appeal, organised by veterans’ charity Poppyscotland.
The 57m tower will be lit up in poppy red from dusk until dawn every evening until 11th November to raise awareness of the annual campaign which raises vital funds for Armed Forces veterans and their families living in Scotland.
Elsewhere in the airport, Poppyscotland’s stunning photographic exhibition, Unforgettable Stories, is on display in the departure lounge. The contemporary collection, taken by acclaimed photographers Trevor and Faye Yerbury, features black & white images of people from across Scotland, including serving soldiers, veterans and supporters of the charity, whose handwritten messages give insights into what the poppy means to them.
As well as poppies being available for passengers and staff alike, poppy collectors will be in the terminal on selected days and a range of Poppyscotland merchandise will be on sale. Check-in screens will also display messages of support for the campaign.
Edinburgh Airport has supported Poppyscotland for a number of years, with the operations team being heavily involved in organising the annual Remembrance Sunday event held at the airport’s model spitfire monument.
David Wilson, Edinburgh Airport’s Chief Operating Officer, and former member of the Parachute Regiment, said: “As an ex-serviceman the Poppyscotland appeal is a cause very close to my heart. Edinburgh Airport has had a great relationship with the charity for a long time and I’m delighted we can work together again to raise awareness and highlight the wonderful work Poppyscotland does.”
Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising Colin Flinn said: “We are very grateful to Edinburgh Airport for the huge range of support they are giving to the 2013 Scottish Poppy Appeal. We need to raise more money every year through the Appeal and these exciting initiatives will certainly raise a great deal of awareness and give the campaign a welcome boost.”
The Scottish Poppy Appeal is Poppyscotland’s largest fundraising event and money raised is used by the charity to provide direct financial assistance to veterans and their families and by funding specialist services in areas such as advice, employment, housing and health. Poppyscotland needs to raise more money every year through the Appeal and this year’s theme urges people to give up small, forgettable items like pizza, doughnuts or takeaway coffee and donate to the Appeal.
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