Jamaicans Urged To Contribute To Poppy Appeal

The Jamaica Legion will recognise Jamaicans, who lost their lives during the World Wars I and II and raise funds to support ex-servicemen, through its annual poppy appeal in October.

Hundreds of thousands of poppies are expected to be distributed in honour of loyal Jamaicans, who answered the call to fight for freedom and democracy.

The fundraising campaign will officially begin with the annual ‘Concert in a Garden’ on October 4 at Curphey Place at Swallowfield, Kingston, beginning at 5:00 p.m. Curphey Place houses veterans of the World Wars.

Concert in a Garden is an evening of music held under the patronage of Governor General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, with performances by the Massed Bands of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF).

“The poppy appeal is part of the Jamaica Legion’s efforts to raise funds for our World War veterans and persons, who served in the Jamaica Battalion and ex-military persons,” said Chairman of the National Poppy Appeal, Lieutenant Colonel Kirk Johnson.

He noted that several ex-service persons are now unable to physically and financially support themselves.

Funds collected from these activities aid in the provision of welfare assistance such as food, clothes, medical care inclusive of prescription drugs.

Colonel Johnson encouraged persons to donate and to wear poppies in recognition of these loyal Jamaicans “who gave us the freedom and democracy we enjoy today.”

The poppy period normally lasts from October 4 to Remembrance Day, which is observed on November 8.

Persons interested in receiving poppies and tins may call the Jamaica Legion office at 926-2381 or 968-0673.

The Jamaica Legion is an affiliate of the British Commonwealth Ex-Services League and was established in 1949.