The Royal British Legion (RBL) is urging Londoners to come into the city on Thursday 31st October to take part in London Poppy Day, as the charity aims to raise £1 million in one day to support the Armed Forces community.
This year, the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal is highlighting the mental scars that can be left after military service. From risking their lives in warzones to the struggle of upheaval for family members and children and being away from loved ones, the mental health needs of the Armed Forces community are complex.
Throughout the day, around 2,500 volunteer Poppy Appeal collectors and Armed Forces personnel from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force will hand out poppies and collect donations at Network Rail and TfL stations, in offices, and on the streets of the capital.
Commuters will be treated to the unique sights and sounds of London Poppy Day. In a specially recorded Tannoy announcement, travellers can enjoy hearing the voice of Bill Bailey at TfL stations. People arriving at London’s major stations may catch sight of the iconic Poppy Bus as it travels across the city and commuters will be entertained by military bands and choirs across fifteen stations.
London Poppy Day 2024 will also include RBL ambassador Ross Kemp who will be encouraging commuters to donate to the Poppy Appeal. Ross says:
“This year we are encouraging you to come into London and get behind the London Poppy Day by picking up a poppy at one of the 70 stations in London taking part. In the days of people working from home, fewer people are travelling in and out of London on a daily basis, so if you can make a special trip into the city you’re helping the RBL achieve its target of raising £1 million in a single day. The money raised will help the charity continue its vital work supporting members of the Armed Forces community in need.”
Director of the Poppy Appeal, Lucy Inskip said:
“We are excited about another London Poppy Day and would love to see as many people out and about across the city as possible. By coming into London this Thursday, you’ll not only get the chance to meet members of the military community, but also enjoy performances from military bands across London’s major transport hubs.
“Your poppy shows you care and that the service and sacrifice of serving personnel, veterans, and their families will never be forgotten. Please give whatever you can to this year’s Appeal and help us raise £1 million in a day.”
Now in its 18th year, London Poppy Day offers the unique opportunity for the public to meet military personnel and veterans. The day is the biggest cash street collection of its kind in Europe and people can donate their spare cash, as well as via contactless. There are even more contactless terminals available at stations for commuters to make their donations than there were last year.
London Poppy Day takes place across the capital from 7am until 7pm on Thursday 31st October. For more information on how to support this year’s Poppy Appeal, please visit rbl.org.uk
