Poppies go digital to help RSA

RSA chief executive David Moger said the initiative was a great new way for people to contribute to supporting those who have served and sacrificed. Photo / Amos Chapple

NZME, owner of the Rotorua Daily Post, NZ Herald, Herald on Sunday, NewstalkZB and GrabOne is supporting the Returned Services' Association (RSA) to raise funds by launching a digital poppy.

From today through until Anzac Day, people will be able to donate online at www.pinapoppy.co.nz or via text to receive a virtual poppy to share on social media, or to save to their devices.

NZME hopes to raise $100,000 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to the RSA Poppy Appeal. The 'Pin a Poppy Appeal' campaign has received a significant start with a $20,000 donation from NZME to support the work of the RSA.

"RSA's volunteers do a wonderful job of getting poppy badges to the public. Through our digital reach NZME believes that we can help attract a wider, younger audience including Kiwis living abroad to participate in the Poppy Appeal and drive participation and donations for our veterans via pinapoppy.co.nz," said NZME chief executive Jane Hastings.

"In the same way that people can show their support and wear a poppy badge, we want to allow Kiwis to donate online or via text and showcase their support on social media, in turn encouraging more people to donate to the worthy cause."

RSA chief executive David Moger said the initiative was a great new way for people to contribute to supporting those who have served and sacrificed. "It would be wonderful to see poppies blooming right across the web over the next week."

RSA national president, BJ Clark, who is on his way to Gallipoli, said: "This initiative means Kiwis around the world can make a donation and display an RSA Poppy as a symbol of remembrance. We honour the memory of those who have gone before by caring for those still with us.".

Donations to the Pin a Poppy Appeal will go into the national Poppy Fund, which is used by RSAs across New Zealand to assist veterans, former and current service people and their families in need. Assistance can range from grants for those in financial difficulty, to helping with practical tasks, supplementing healthcare costs, counselling and providing meals on wheels and home maintenance, or simply offering friendship and support in times of need or illness.

Visit www.pinapoppy.co.nz for further details and to donate.