The Hereford City Poppy Appeal is delighted to announce that in 2024/2025 it has reached a fundraising milestone and a first in history of the Poppy Appeal, achieving a fundraising total of £100,000, with 2 months of the fundraising year still remaining.
Thanks to the generosity of the local community and the commitment and dedication of over 300 volunteers, in the last 3 years, the Hereford City Poppy Appeal has gone from strength to strength increasing its fundraising total year on year from £68,000, 3 years ago to this remarkable £100,000 milestone.
This contributes to enabling the vital work of the Royal British Legion to continue.
The Royal British Legion provides lifelong support to serving and ex-serving personnel and their families, including those who have served in the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force as well as remembering those we have lost in service.
Samantha Knight Poppy Appeal Organiser for Hereford City says:
“We are all incredibly proud of this achievement and wish to say a huge thank you to all of our Deputy Poppy Appeal Organisers, volunteers and supporters who have worked so hard to make this happen.
“This year we have been particularly proud of all of our young volunteers.
“When I took on the role of Poppy Appeal Organiser in early 2024, I wanted to make it our mission to engage the next generation of volunteers and I am proud to say, we went some way to achieving this.
“During the 2024 Poppy Appeal we had over 50 young people volunteer compared with just 5 during the 2023 Poppy Appeal, this, on top of the wonderful support that the Sea Cadets, Army Cadets, Guides and Scouts provide year on year.
“We wish to express our thanks to a number of local businesses, organisationsand individuals who provide vital support with distributing poppy boxes and collection tins throughout the City; including the Herefordshire Freemasons, TPG DisableAids, Pedicargo and Close House along with many others who have been so generous in supporting with additional fundraising opportunities throughout the Poppy Appeal.
“We also wish to express our sincere thanks to the Reverend Andy Morgan of St. Peter’s Church, Hereford, who hosted a new Poppy Appeal fundraising event in 2024, with involvement from a number of local schools, Colleges, and community groups, all of whom contributed to the event through art, performance and music.
“The event was a huge success with over 300 visitors in one afternoon and plans are already taking shape for a bigger event in 2025.”
Darren Maynard, RBL Poppy Appeal Manager for Herefordshire says:
“WOW what an amazing achievement from Samantha and her team of fabulous volunteers.
“Hereford City has gone from strength to strength over the past three years, involving so many wonderful organisations and groups to make the incredible milestone of £100,000. Communication and teamwork are the key to Samantha’s’ success.
“Thank you for making History in Hereford City. Please come and join Samantha’s amazing Poppy appeal team.
“If you would like to be part of the incredible team of volunteers during the 2025 Hereford City Poppy Appeal, please contact Samantha Knight, Poppy Appeal Organiser for Hereford City by emailing Samanthaknight5@hotmail.com”
