Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, has called on residents in Edinburgh and the Lothians to back this years poppy appeal.
Charities across Scotland and the UK have been facing an unprecedented challenge this year in much needed fundraising efforts, with social distancing restriction limiting physical fundraising events.
The Scottish Poppy Appeal is no different as thousands of their volunteers are forced to stay at home because of the Coronavirus pandemic.
The demand on Poppy Scotland’s vital, life changing services for the arms forces community is increasing rapidly and fundraising is crucial to providing these services.
This year Poppy Scotland have changed the way they are fundraising, with a number of initiatives, including donating and downloading a photo of a poppy, or a poppy to colour in and display in your window to show your support, a virtual Field of Remembrance and a pop up shop on Waverley Bridge by Princess St. Gardens.
The Poppy Appeal is Poppy Scotland’s most significant fundraising initiative, aimed at generating more than £2 million, which accounts for over half of the charity’s annual income.
Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “This year the Scottish Poppy Appeal is different to normal, with social distancing restrictions and not being able to go out and fundraise as normal. Poppy Scotland have created a number of other ways that people can show their support for our armed forces community and honour those servicemen and servicewomen who have given their lives for their country. I would encourage residents in Edinburgh and the Lothians to donate virtually and display a poppy in their window to show their support for the armed forces this Remembrance day.”
If you want to support Poppy Scotland you can do so at this link: https://www.poppyscotland.org.uk/get-involved/poppy-appeal