Returned Services Association poppies will be on sale around Whanganui this Saturday and money from each sale stays in the community to support those in the local area.
When you buy a poppy 100 per cent of your donation goes directly to welfare and support of ex-service personnel and their immediate families.
"No money collected for the poppy appeal is used for administration or for the benefit of RSA clubs," says mid-region welfare officer Robbie Robertson.
The theme for the 2019 appeal is "We are all family – He whānau kotahi tātou".
Servicewomen and men often travel for long periods of time which can be both scary and unsettling for those left behind.
Upon leaving the forces, many can struggle with mental health and transitioning to civilian life.
This year, the RSA recognises the role of the family who by association also "live through" and are impacted by these challenges.
In addition, they involuntarily become the primary support people and as such, make a significant sacrifice.
Approximately 80 per cent of referrals to the RSA support services (a nationwide welfare network) come from friends and family who are concerned about their friend or partner.
The RSA say the aim to make this easier and ensure service personnel and their families know they are able to help.
Support ranges from individual grants to alleviate need and hardship (eg. re-education, counselling, financial support), through to research to improve health and wellbeing.
The RSA was founded in 1916 by wounded World War I veterans returning home to New Zealand. They recognised the need to care for wounded returning soldiers and the families of those killed during service, and to honour the memory of those who would never return.
The movement has more than 95,000 members and more than 180 clubs across New Zealand.
RSA volunteers assisted by Wanganui Cadet Corps will be outside Pak'nSave, New World and Whitcoulls selling poppies on Saturday.