Poppy day provides wide support

New Zealand's Poppy Day is something many Kiwis mark proudly each year by getting a traditional RSA fabric poppy in return for a donation. It's the symbol of remembrance for those who fought to protect this proud nation and our veterans and ex-service people who were lucky enough to return from duty.

NZME, owner of Stratford Press, NZ Herald, Herald on Sunday, NewstalkZB and GrabOne is supporting the Returned Services' Association (RSA) to raise funds by launching a digital poppy that is available in the same way.

From this Friday through until Anzac Day, people will be able to donate online or via text to receive a virtual poppy to share via their social media, or to save to their desktops and devices via the website www.pinapoppy.co.nz.

NZME hopes to raise $100,000 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings with 100 percent 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.

Chief Executive of NZME, Jane Hastings says "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.

"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 says they are excited by the 'Pin a Poppy Appeal' initiative.

"It's 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 says the 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 through 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, home maintenance or simply friendship.

Visit www.pinapoppy.co.nz for details.