New Bluewater poppy appeal hub aims to raise over a hundred thousand in Kent
The Royal British Legion say it's helping them show people how the money raised helps those in the service and their families year round
A new poppy appeal hub at Bluewater is hoping to raise between £150,000 and £200,000 for the Royal British Legion.
The space outside John Lewis combines donation stands and the charity’s Poppy Shop with information about its work supporting the armed forces community.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio Kent, West Kent poppy appeal manager Phil Danton said the charity hoped the new approach would increase fundraising at the shopping centre:
"But also we'd like to have a look around as well, because it details what we spend the money we raise on."
"And when you hear some of those stories and you see what we're doing, it's quite humbling to know that we're part of that organisation."
The hub opened earlier this week and is expected to remain open until at least 11th November.
Supporting personnel and their families
Phil said the appeal helps fund support for serving personnel, veterans and their families, including financial assistance, rehabilitation and help returning to work:
"We should never forget the sacrifices people make when serving in our armed forces.
"And what we do is we look after people from day one of service, right through end of life.
"But it's not just them, it's their families too."
He said public donations were essential to continuing that work, adding:
"Without the support of the public donating the money to do every year, we wouldn't be able to help the people that we help."
More volunteers needed across Kent
Phil oversees volunteers across 96 districts in West Kent, helping organisers prepare for collections and other fundraising activities.
He said more people were needed to help with tasks such as delivering donation tins, collecting them and staffing stands.
Phil said: "We're always looking for more volunteers.
"So if you see a poppy appeal collector out and about, you can just approach them and ask if they need any more help.
"We also have advertising on our website as well."
He said volunteers already supporting the appeal come from a wide range of ages and religions, as well as members of cadet forces.
Phil said:
"I have a great set of volunteers all over the county doing wonderful things, some very ingenious ways of fundraising, some of which make you go, 'I don't think I could do that,' but they do them."
Activities by volunteers range from typical fundraising to skydiving.
Help is available throughout the year
Phil stressed that it was important to remember that the charity’s support continues beyond the autumn appeal and Remembrance events.
He described meeting a former Army bomb disposal specialist at a Legion club who was unaware for the support available.
After their conversation, Phil directed him to the charity’s helpline, which he said arranged a caseworker.
Phil said: "And he saw me last week and said, 'I wouldn't be here without your help'."
He said the experience reinforced the importance of making people aware of the charity’s work:
"Just one thing like that makes you just remember what we do it for and why we do it and that we should be helping as many people as we can."