How you can support Armed Forces veterans in South Tyneside through the Poppy Appeal campaign
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Councillor Norman Dick and the district’s mayoress, Jean Williamson, are both calling on South Tyneside residents to get behind the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal “like never before”, with each poppy sold boosting support funds for UK servicemen and women, as well as veterans and their families.
This year, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the public is being asked to donate in a number of new ways, including online or SMS text contributions.
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Hide AdCommenting on this year’s appeal campaign, the Mayor of South Tyneside and ex-serviceman, Councillor Norman Dick, said: “Every year, we support the Royal British Legion.
"We encourage people to wear their poppy with pride and pay tribute to the countless men and women who sacrificed so much to serve their country.
“In the year that we mark 75 years since VE Day and VJ Day, and deal with unprecedented public health challenges, we continue to celebrate the contribution of every member of our armed forces who stepped up to defend our way of life and continue to do so today – whatever the threat.”
The Royal British Legion provides welfare and companionship to servicemen and women, veterans and their families, including various forms of guidance and advice concerning recovery and rehabilitation.
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Hide AdPeter Boyack, President of the South Shields British Legion Club, said this week: “The people of South Tyneside have always been very generous and supportive of the Poppy Appeal and for that we are extremely grateful.
“Each year, our team of dedicated volunteers make the Poppy Appeal happen, but as many of them fall into vulnerable categories, it is simply not safe for them to do face to face collections. This same risk applies to many of our supporters.
“While the pandemic has also brought home the great sense of duty we have to protect the vulnerable and our way of life, it has also had a devastating impact on people’s livelihoods, leaving some of the armed forces community in dire need of urgent help and support.
“There are a number of innovative ways for people to get involved this year and help us to ensure the continuity of vital services and support for our armed forces community.”