Gibraltar Poppy Day collection raises a record £16,000

The local branch of the Royal British Legion said it raised a record £16,000 during last year’s traditional Poppy Day collection.

Branch Secretary, Louis Lopez, who every year orchestrates the collection, said: “We are so grateful for the generosity of the people of Gibraltar in supporting our cause.”

“By wearing a poppy, you aren’t just remembering the fallen: you’re supporting a new generation of veterans and Service personnel that need our support.”

Harry Ward collects money selling poppies for the RBL.

The Poppy Day Appeal is the Royal British Legion’s biggest fundraising campaign held every year in November, the period of Remembrance.

The first Poppy Appeal was held in 1921, the founding year of The Royal British Legion. Red silk poppies, inspired by the famous First World War poem In Flanders Fields, sold out instantly and raised more than £106,000. The funds helped WW1 veterans find employment and housing after the war.

The Gibraltar branch thanked all those who volunteered with the collection and the many local business and entities that supported the appeal.

The Legion is always looking for new members and volunteers.

Join the Legion and become part of an international network of people who care about British Armed Forces personnel, ex-Service men and women and their families.

In this photograph, Commander British Forces (pictured right) buys his poppy from Douglas Bassett.