It is hoped flower power will help locals who have fought in wars around the world.
This Friday Returned Serviceman Associations throughout the country will be collecting for the annual Poppy Day appeal, which raises money for its members’ welfare costs.
Nelson RSA president Barry Pont says every year the community gets behind the RSA and he’s hoping to see hundreds, if not thousands, of locals wearing the poppy flower badges, signalling they have donated to the cause.
Poppy Day is traditionally held on the Friday before Anzac Day and Barry says collection stands will be set up in various spots in Nelson city, Tahunanui and Stoke. Some retail shops will also have collection boxes out as of yesterday.
Last year $21,000 was raised in Nelson for Poppy Day and Barry says every dollar raised stays in Nelson. “All of it, not one cent goes to administration costs or anything like that, 100 per cent of the money raised goes right to the welfare fund of our RSA members.”
Barry says they are still looking for a couple of collectors to man a stall on Trafalgar St for Poppy Day. If you are keen you can call Barry on 548 6815.
