The National League combined forces with The Royal British Legion throughout November to raise the awareness of their annual Poppy Appeal and to encourage all 68 member clubs to contribute financially to the sterling work done to support members of our armed forces who need care in our communities at this time.
The Royal British Legion came together to oversee collections and as part of this unique partnership, a specially produced ‘captains armband’ was worn by each respective club captain at all matches played in The National League on Saturday 14th November, after which each armband was auctioned off.
The culmination of the partnership has now taken place and at a special ceremony in Birmingham today (Friday 4th December) as The National League handed over a cheque to representatives of the Royal British Legion totalling £17,775.45.
Brian Barwick, Chairman of The National League stated, “When we set out on this unique enterprise of partnership with the Royal British Legion, I commented upon the strong ties we have nationwide between our clubs and their respective communities. Each community is steeped in history, not only of their local football club but the many sacrifices which individual members of those communities have made over the decades spent in defending our civil liberties and every day way of life.
“We are more than pleased we can join with many like minded people who recognise that service personnel undertake roles which many of us would not relish. Our grateful thanks in this tangible manner is just one small part of the overall debt of gratitude which we all owe. We hope the funds we have been able to raise on this special occasion reflect our recognition of their difficult task, often with difficult outcomes to face in the years ahead.”
Responding, Claire Rowcliffe, Head of Regional Fundraising with The Royal British Legion added: “The Legion’s role remains as contemporary and as vital as it has ever been supporting today’s generation of Armed Forces families and veterans, whether living with an injury or illness, coping with bereavement or finding employment.
“The money raised through the Poppy Appeal goes directly to The Royal British Legion’s work providing through life support to anyone who is currently serving in the British Armed Forces, who has previously served, and their families and we are very grateful to those involved in fundraising efforts to help us continue delivering our services.”
