Share the load so we can help more people

The Ashford branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) need volunteers to help its fundraising activities.

Currently the charity only has a small team of people to undertake tasks and with the town growing in size needs additional help.

More than 300 poppy boxes are delivered, often on foot, with volunteers walking miles each day to enable schools and businesses to distribute poppies to the public.

Julie Roper, the RBL’s East Kent community fundraiser, said: “We desperately need to recruit more organisers who can manage an area of Ashford.

“Sharing the responsibility will mean smaller districts to manage and local knowledge will benefit the appeal.

“So we need to get other members of the public involved.

“They don’t have to be an ex-service person or a Legion member – just someone with a passion to help, good organisation skills and some time mainly in October/November.

“The area could easily be split into four districts and collectively raise a significant amount.

“Last year alone over £23,000 was raised for the Poppy Appeal in Ashford, but it could be so much more if we could recruit more people to help.

“More and more service, and ex-service men and women and their families need our help. It’s important that we do as much as we can to support them.”

Over the last year Kent has raised more than £1.4 million towards the £44 million national total. The RBL needs £1.6 million per week to sustain its welfare activities.

Anyone interesting in volunteering is asked to call 07833 480272 or email jroper@britishlegion. org.uk

Last year, the Poppy Appeal raised £23,000 in Ashford