Why the 2020 Poppy Appeal needs your support

By Jo Dunbar

Each November we approach Armistice Day on November 11^th with the phrase ‘Lest we forget’ in our minds. But 2020 presents us with challenges when it comes to commemorating the war dead and wounded the way we traditionally choose to. With Covid posing a risk to the health of poppy sellers – traditionally older people – and footfall on our high streets and in our shopping centres at an all-time low, how best to find yourself a poppy and donate to the Royal British Legion?

With socially distanced tea parties and bunting hanging from our houses, we acknowledged the 75^thanniversary of VE Day in May – but the date had a lower profile thanks to Covid. Remembrance Sunday, which falls on 8^th November this year, runs the risk of having far less impact than usual – which would be a blow for the service and ex-service personnel who depend on the charity’s support during hardships, injuries and bereavements.

And if you do happen to be in a supermarket, Louise says you might find poppies there: “Through our collectors and partner organisations, we have been able to distribute poppies in our major supermarkets including Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Morrisons, Aldi and Asda.”

Whatever you choose to do, whether it’s buying poppies online, observing two minutes’ silence or taking part in a remote Remembrance activity, what matters is we don’t forget.