Helping service personnel and their families

The RSA Poppy Appeal has been a part of the New Zealand calendar since 1922, making it one of the country’s oldest nationwide appeals.

Thousands of volunteers took to the streets to collect donations on Friday, April 12 in exchange for the unique Red Poppy.

This year the appeal activities, which were held earlier than normal due to Easter, acknowledged the forgotten sacrifice that is made by families of service personnel.

We are all family wha¯ nau kotahi ta¯ tou – He

Servicewomen and men often travel for long periods of time.

It can be both scary and unsettling for those left behind.

Upon leaving the forces many serving personnel can struggle with mental health and transitioning to civilian life.

This year the Poppy Appeal had a special focus on the impact of service on family members.

The role of the family, who by association also ‘live through’ and are impacted by these challenges, was recognised. In addition, family members involuntarily become the primary support people and as such, make a significant sacrifice.

Approximately 80 per cent of referrals to the RSA support services (a nationwide welfare network) come from friends and family who are concerned about their friend or partner.

The RSA aims to make this easier and ensure service personnel and their families know they are available to help. About the Poppy Appeal The annual Poppy Appeal is the RSA’s major fund-raising drive.

Funds raised from the Poppy Appeal are used to help improve the quality of life of current and former servicemen and women and their families affected by their service, where no other means of assistance are available.

Support ranges from individual grants to alleviate need and hardship (e.g. re-education, counselling, financial support), through to research to improve health and wellbeing.

In 2018, 1.7 million was raised.

Funds are raised locally and used locally, with 100 per cent of donations distributed by RSA’s nationwide to people in their local areas.

About the RSA

The RSA was founded in 1916 by wounded World War I veterans returning home to New Zealand.

They recognised the need to care for wounded returning soldiers and the families of those killed during service, and to honour the memory of those who would never return.

The movement has more than 95,000 members and over 180 RSAs across the country.