Generous people from across the county have helped to raise more than £562,218 with money still pouring in.
Organisers of the Poppy Appeal had hoped to improve on the 2008 total of £519,000 but feared that the credit crunch would hamper their efforts.
But thanks to the army of volunteers who were out in force selling poppies and collecting donations in the run up to Remembrance Sunday last year the appeal has raised a record-breaking amount with eight months still left to go.
Derbyshire co-ordinator Colin Picken said: "We are very happy, it's a marvellous total, especially from a year when people have been feeling hard- up. We didn't expect to do this well."
Money raised by the poppy appeal provides financial, social and emotional support to former and current servicemen and women, and their families.
The cash is used to help fund a range of services from counselling and job retraining to nursing care and war grave visits.
As part of the appeal in Derbyshire a series of poppy walks were held across the county which helped boost the appeal by £1,670.
Christine Selden, community fund-raiser for Derbyshire, said: "I am delighted that the walks have raised so much. The efforts of all the walk leaders in organising these events, the walkers and their sponsors are truly appreciated."
Former Army engineer Ivan Warwick was helped by the Royal British Legion after he was made redundant from his job as a lorry driver. The charity came up with the cash to pay his gas and electricity bills, council tax arrears and bankruptcy fees.
The 46-year-old, of Mackworth, welcomed the news that the appeal had been so successful and said he intended to sell poppies this year.
Call 07973 750816 or email cselden@britishlegion.org.uk.
Article courtesy of Derbyshire News
No comments:
Post a Comment