Community Hero highlights Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal
Fosters Solicitors and Norwich City Football Club are delighted to highlight Chris Vernazza, on behalf of the work of the Royal British Legion, as our third Community Hero for the Canaries’ game against Swansea City.
This year the Poppy Appeal has taken on extra importance. The money raised from the appeal helps the Royal British Legion support the most vulnerable in the Armed Forces community, be it older veterans that the charity cares for, those suffering from social isolation, or those facing challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, their fundraising efforts have been hampered by the pandemic and that is why people’s support this year is so vital, as Chris explains:
“Dealing with the pandemic has shown the duty we all have to protect the most vulnerable in our society and our way of life,” he said.
“The same sense of duty has endured through generations of our Armed Forces community from our Second World War veterans to the newest recruits. This year once again they have been there when we need them, standing alongside essential workers on the front line in the fight against COVID-19.
“Like so many things this year, the Poppy Appeal has had to adapt to the threat of COVID-19. That’s why in 2020 The Royal British Legion is asking people to support the appeal like never before and reminding us that ‘Every Poppy Counts’.
“Each year 40,000 volunteers make the Poppy Appeal happen. However, many collectors are in vulnerable categories, so it is simply not safe for them to take part this year. The same applies for many of our supporters who can’t leave their homes as they normally would to find a poppy.
“The reduction in collectors makes running the Poppy Appeal much harder, but the Legion still has a job to do. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on people’s livelihoods, leaving some in the Armed Forces community in urgent need of support.
“It’s easy to support the Appeal this year, just visit our Poppy Appeal website and you can make a donation, order your poppies, get a fundraising pack or sign up for your poppy runs. Every Poppy Counts so please support in any way you can.”
During the 2020-21 Sky Bet Championship football season we will be working in partnership with Norwich City to celebrate its Community Hero initiative, which once a month highlights a deserving community-minded individual as the ‘Community Hero’ for a selected match day.
Do you know a Community Hero? If there is anyone that you think deserves special recognition, whether the individual works in the emergency services, is a carer or charity champion – please nominate someone by visiting the Community Hero page on the Club’s official website.
This article was produced on the 9th November 2020 by our Communications team for information purposes only and should not be construed or relied upon as specific legal advice.