Royal British Legion
The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal launches on Friday 27th October 2017. The focus of this year’s campaign is to appeal to those who have served or who are serving in the British Forces, as well as their dependants, to come forward if they need support. There are up to 5000 serving service personnel, veterans and their dependants living in our community. Many are facing everyday battles and the Royal British Legion has access to a wide range of resources to support people emotionally and financially.
Client | Freedom Media Jersey
Photographers - Ollie Jones & Matt Porteous
Client | Freedom Media Jersey
Photographers - Ollie Jones & Matt Porteous
There are 9 different ‘faces’ of the 2017 campaign, all veterans of various ages, who are appealing for their comrades to come forward and ask for the support that they need. They will appear on banners, on a Liberty Bus, posters, flyers and on social media. His Excellency Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton GCB BSc FRAeS who is the Patron of The Royal British Legion is one of those ‘faces’ and he has recorded a special message, speaking directly to all veterans and their loved ones. He said: “Many people came back from campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan very changed from the way that they went. Many have needed very specialist help. I have seen the way in which The Royal British Legion and other charities can help those people to regain life and the value of life.”
He continued: “People who have served in the Armed Forces are used to being self dependent and capable of dealing with what comes. Many find it really difficult to ask for help, but when they know that support is there, it can be life changing. The Royal British Legion is there to help and support them. The important thing is to get that help. It is not a weakness; it is something that you deserve.“
The video will be available on the Royal British Legion Facebook and they are appealing to everyone to share that video message and the other campaign posts so they can reach as many people as possible. A radio appeal that will be played on 103FM has been recorded by Lieutenant Colonel Nigel Smith, the Vice Chairman of The Royal British Legion. He commented: "For many people, Remembrance is associated with the fallen of the First and Second World Wars. While we will always remember them, the Royal British Legion wants to raise awareness of a new generation of veterans and service personnel that need our support.”
He continued: “The majority of the money that is raised in Jersey is spent in Jersey for veterans that live in Jersey. Last year T-he Royal British Legion (Jersey) spent around £90,000 on veterans and families of veterans that required assistance. Without the generosity of the people of Jersey during the Poppy Appeal we would not be able to provide the help needed. If you or someone you know needs support - please call the Royal British Legion (Jersey Branch) on 723469 or email info@rbljersey.org.”
