18 April 2011

ROYAL NEW ZEALAND RETURNED AND SERVICES’ ASSOCIATION

Media Release

Poppy Day Thursday 21 April

The Returned and Services’ Association (RSA) annual Poppy Appeal starts Monday 18 April with the Poppy Day Street Collection on Thursday 21 April.

The annual appeal is the RSA’s major fundraising campaign and allows local RSAs to continue to assist veterans and their families.

“Many of our veterans don’t want to ask for help and often have no idea of the services available to provide them with a better quality of life,” says Rotorua RSA Pensions and Welfare Officer Rolly Rolston.

“They often find accessing services can be difficult and that is where we come in and lend a hand.”

He says the work is very satisfying and he is very proud of what the RSA can achieve for veterans.

“There is nothing quite like helping a veteran get a mobility scooter, or having a War Disablement Pension approved because you know it will make a huge difference for both the person and their family.”

As well as the traditional street collection donations can be made online at www.anzacpoppy.com where New Zealanders also have the opportunity to leave a message, find a service, and upload a photo of Anzac Day, and much more.

“New Zealander’s generosity each year shows that the Anzac spirit continues to live and indeed grows stronger with each year,” says RSA National President Don McIver. “It is through these donations that our 200 RSAs across the country can help those veterans and their families in need”

This Poppy Day is the 90th Appeal with the first taking place prior to Anzac Day 1922 making it one of the longest-running nationwide appeals.

POPPY DAY APPEAL KEY FACTS

• Estimated 1 Million distributed on Poppy Day

• 115 000 RSA members nationwide

• 14 000 Veterans receiving the War Disablement Pension; plus more who have not applied

• 6 000 War Widows who are receiving the Surviving Spouse Pension

• 200 Local RSAs and branches collecting on Poppy Day

For more Poppy Day information and online donations go to www.anzacpoppy.com

ENDS

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