Armed Forces charity searching for new Scottish Poppy Appeal Area Organiser

 

Scotland’s leading Armed Forces charity is searching for a new Scottish Poppy Appeal Area Organiser (AO) to lead the fundraising push in Dalkeith this year and beyond.

Poppyscotland Head of Fundraising Gordon Michie explained: “We’re looking for individuals, groups of friends, or community organisations that have good organisational skills to step forward to lead this year’s Appeal in Dalkeith. Last year, £17,000 was raised in the area, but, without your help, we will struggle to collect even a fraction of that amount.

“By volunteering for Poppyscotland you will be helping us transform the lives of Scottish veterans, those currently serving, and their families who are in need. The money raised from the annual Poppy Appeal enables us to provide life-changing support to those affected by many issues including poverty, mental health problems and disability. Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, and, without their vital support, we simply wouldn’t be able to run the Scottish Poppy Appeal.”

Mr Michie added: “Volunteering with us also offers some great benefits for you, too; our volunteers gain a real sense of achievement, immense pride and satisfaction by doing something worthwhile. It’s also a great opportunity to meet new people and have fun while giving something back, so, if this sounds like something for you, please do get in touch.”

In another part of the country, one of Poppyscotland’s newest recruits is proving to be a natural in the role. Lynne McKay – whose husband Tommy spent 22 years in the Army, serving primarily with 5 SCOTS in Iraq, Afghanistan and Northern Ireland – moved to Kinross last year and became the Area Organiser for the Kinross and Milnathort area.

Lynne, 41, explained: “When we moved to the area I saw the advert for a new Area Organiser in the local newsletter. I was disappointed that no-one had taken the role on, so I got in touch with Poppyscotland and here I am!”

Lynne, who has seen the amount collected in her area soar from around £1,000 to £4,500k, has three children, but is more than happy balancing family life and doing her bit for the charity. She adds: “I do this while kids are at school and at weekends. It’s giving something back and it’s a lot of fun going out collecting. The kids have been out selling Poppyscotland wristbands with me, which makes them feel like they are doing their bit for the charity.”

And Lynne’s advice to anyone thinking about becoming an Area Organiser for Poppyscotland is clear: “Just do it – no thought needed! You’ll be amazed by the support you receive. If people say ‘no’ then move on; there is always someone else or a different direction to go in. The businesses and public are lovely and I’d encourage anyone to get out there and meet them.”

Area Organisers form a 420-strong team covering every city, town and village in Scotland. They help the charity to pin more than five million poppies on to Scotland’s coats, jackets and jumpers.

The Scottish Poppy Appeal raised more than £3 million last year thanks to the support of the public and the dedication of 10,000 volunteers, and for more information or to chat about this great opportunity, please contact Kate Jenkins, Volunteer Support Coordinator at Poppyscotland, on 0131 550 1597 or 07458 016 089, or e-mail at volunteer@poppyscotland.org.uk.