Poppyscotland on the lookout for fundraising help in Giffnock

Scotland’s leading Armed Forces charity is searching for a new volunteer Scottish Poppy Appeal Supermarket Organisers to lead the fundraising push in a number of supermarkets this year and beyond.

The organisation is also looking for anyone else in the area who may be able to lend a hand as a volunteer – even for a few hours.

As a Supermarket Organiser, you can develop and support our volunteer collectors to make the poppy accessible to everyone that visits the Morrisons store in Giffnock as well as Auchinlea (at Glasgow Fort), and the Tesco in Shettleston.

Poppyscotland head of Fundraising Gordon Michie explains: “We’re looking for individuals, businesses, groups of friends, or community organisations that have good organisational skills to step forward to lead this year’s Appeal in key areas of Glasgow.

Last year, almost £2,000 was raised in total at these three stores. We know that with your support, a SO has the potential to build collection totals to more than £300 per day.

“By volunteering for Poppyscotland you will be helping us transform the lives of veterans in Scotland, those currently serving, and their families who are in need. The money raised from the annual Poppy Appeal enables us to provide life-changing support to those affected by many issues including poverty, mental health problems and disability, and will ensure that we are behind them, always. Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, and, without their vital support, we simply wouldn’t be able to deliver the Scottish Poppy Appeal.”

Mr Michie added: “Volunteering with us offers some great benefits for you, too; our volunteers gain a real sense of achievement, immense pride and satisfaction by doing something worthwhile. It’s also a great opportunity to meet new people and have fun while giving something back, so, if this sounds like something for you, please do get in touch.”

One person who is keen to highlight the benefits of the role is Rob Wilkinson, who has been a Poppyscotland volunteer since 2009.

Rob said: “I’ve been a volunteer in nearby Thornliebank for ten years and really enjoy the interaction with the general public at Poppy Appeal time.

“Also, working with a great bunch of volunteers is rewarding, especially knowing we are helping to support the veteran community in Scotland. I have found that the public are very much aware of what the Scottish Poppy Appeal stands for and, therefore, it’s not difficult to encourage people to contribute.”

And Rob’s advice to anyone thinking about becoming a Supermarket Organiser for Poppyscotland is clear: “Just do it – no thought needed! You’ll be amazed by the support you receive – the businesses and public are lovely, and I’d encourage anyone to get out there and meet them.”

Supermarket and Area Organisers – who can comprise individuals, groups, schools, Cadet Forces, Rotary Clubs, etc. – form a 450-strong team covering every city, town and village in Scotland. They help the charity to pin up to five million poppies on to Scotland’s coats, jackets and jumpers.

The Scottish Poppy Appeal raised more than £2.4 million last year thanks to the support of the public and the dedication of 10,000 volunteers, and for more information or to chat about this great opportunity, please contact Steve Parry, Volunteer Development Officer at Poppyscotland, at [email protected] or on 0131 550 1597.