Crisis puts Shrewsbury poppy appeal at risk
Shrewsbury's Poppy Appeal could be axed unless more volunteers come forward, organisers warned today.
The crisis puts a collection that raised more than £45,000 in the town last year in serious doubt.
The Royal British Legion says despite the historical strength of the town's appeal it is in realistic danger of collapsing.
It says volunteering can range from distributing poppies and collection tins, to volunteering at special events such as the county launch, and manning various collection points around Shrewsbury.
Randy Baker, RBL community fundraiser for Shropshire, said: "The RBL spends £1.4 million a week on welfare services for our Armed forces community – serving members, ex-serving members and their dependents.
"Every pound raised is essential to providing our much-needed services and we need Shrewsbury's help to make this happen.
"Volunteering can range from giving one hour to volunteering on a regular basis and is not limited to ex-service members or RBL members – anyone can help, even if you aren't located in Shrewsbury.
"It is a perfect way to say thank you to the members of our armed forces, but we don't have enough volunteers at the moment to make that possible."
The RBL is hosting an open day at its area office, located at the Flaxmill in Ditherington Road, on August 3 in an attempt to boost its numbers. People will be able to meet Legion volunteers from 10am to 4pm.
The Poppy Appeal was created to help those returning from the First World War.
For more information call 07768 252212.
