Call for Poppy Day collection volunteers

THE South African Legion is appealing to individuals to volunteer to collect funds on Poppy Day, 7 November.

Poppy Day collections are held annually to create awareness and ensure the remembrance of those who gave their lives during past wars.

It also serves as a fundraising exercise to assist all military veterans and their families who are in need.

The poppy has been the officially recognised symbol of the Legion for remembrance since 1921.

According to SA Legion Durban branch chairman, RA Andries, the organisation faces increased expenditure to assist needy ex-servicemen/women and their dependents. “We safeguard their interests, especially on matters concerning welfare, pensions accommodation and casual relief. With the current high inflation and low employment rates, many military veterans are calling on us for assistance with food, clothing and other necessities,” he said, adding that the SA Legion receives no state grants nor government assistance and relies solely on donations from the public.

“Our major source of income is from occasional members’ bequests and our annual Poppy Day collection,” he said.

Volunteer collectors are required to assist by giving an hour or so of their time on Saturday, 7 November to collect at a time and place convenient to them. Collections can only be done at shopping centres and malls from which prior approval must be obtained.

A remembrance service will be held at the Cenotaph, Gardiner Street at 10.30am on Sunday, 8 November, where homage is paid to all those who made the supreme sacrifice in all past conflicts in order that we may live in peace.

If you would like to help, or would like to make a donation, call Johann Kruger on 031-205-0578 every weekday morning until 1pm.