Transport for London (TfL) is supporting the Royal British Legion to commemorate the 20th anniversary of London Poppy Day on Thursday 29 October to help raise record levels of fundraising to support the needs of the Armed Forces community, past and present, and their families.
To mark the milestone, award-winning British singer and actress Dame Elaine Paige has recorded special announcements for stations across London’s transport network encouraging donations to the London Poppy Appeal.
Collections will be taking place from 07:00 to 19:00 at stations across London, with more than 2,500 volunteers supporting fundraising efforts, including representatives of the Tri-Service contingent from the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force. Last year, Royal British Legion surpassed their fundraising target of £1 million by more than £400,000, with the Legion aiming to exceed last year’s extraordinary effort on the 20th anniversary of London Poppy Day. Royal British Legion bands will also perform at a selection of stations, including Battersea Power Station, Blackfriars, Canary Wharf, Stratford and Westminster.
As part of the commemorations, bespoke poppy-branded buses, trains and London Cable Car cabins will be on display across London’s transport network, alongside poppy themed roundels at select bus stations and London Underground and London Overground platforms.*
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m delighted to support London Poppy Day as we mark the 20th anniversary of this important event in our capital. This is the biggest street collection of its kind in Europe, and I’d like to thank all the Armed Forces personnel and Poppy Appeal collectors who will be out fundraising across the city. I hope Londoners will once again show their generosity and help the Royal British Legion continue its vital work supporting veterans, serving personnel and their families.”
Andy Lord, London’s Transport Commissioner, said: “We are immensely proud to have supported the Royal British Legion over the past twenty years to help raise tens of millions to support the Armed Forces community, past and present, through London Poppy Day. This year we hope the special station announcements from Dame Elaine Paige, poppy inspired buses, trains, London Cable Car cabins and roundels will support the efforts of thousands of volunteers to help raise records amounts for London Poppy Day as it celebrates its twentieth year. We hope that our special tributes encourage customers passing to donate, if they are able to do so, and support the Legion’s mission to provide lifelong support to serving and ex-serving personnel and their families.”
Lucy Inskip, Director, Poppy Appeal, said: “The Royal British Legion is incredibly grateful for the continued support of Transport for London as we mark the 20th anniversary of London Poppy Day. TfL has played an important role in helping us bring the capital together to honour and support our Armed Forces community, and we’re proud to have their support once again for this milestone year. Their contribution helps us raise awareness of the Poppy Appeal and ensure we can continue to be there for serving personnel, veterans and their families, whenever they need us.”
TfL has a longstanding relationship with the Armed Forces, dating back to the First World War. As a member of the Armed Forces Covenant, TfL takes pride in supporting the London Poppy Appeal and the veterans who work on the transport network. Their service has given them the critical skills required to effectively carry out their role as bus controllers, drivers, engineers and project managers.
TfL benefits from regular engagement with veteran stakeholder groups to identify potential employment opportunities and challenges for London’s Armed Forces Community. Earlier this month, Places for London, TfL’s property company, launched Building Beyond Service, a skills programme with the Ministry of Defence that helps veterans transition into construction careers.
London’s transport network will join the rest of the UK in observing the two-minute silence at 11:00 on Armistice Day on 11 November to commemorate British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women who lost their lives in the two World Wars.
Donations to the Poppy Appeal can be made using contactless payments and help the Royal British Legion raise money for their charity work helping the UK Armed Forces community. This support includes providing physical and mental health recovery services as well as financial and employment advice.
Image credit: TfL
