Photos: Governor, Premier Join Poppy Appeal
Governor George Fergusson and Premier Michael Dunkley yesterday [Nov 5] took to the streets of Hamilton to sell poppies to raise funds for the Island’s military veterans.
Mr Fergusson – who did a brisk trade in the iconic red flowers outside HSBC in Reid Street – said he had pitched in to help the appeal every year since he was appointed.
Mr Fergusson added: “It’s a very good cause and people support it very generously – I am pleased to play a small part in the fundraising.”
He added that the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War added extra poignancy to this year’s appeal.
Mr Fergusson said: “It’s worth remembering the 80 people from Bermuda who died in that war with family connections all over the Island – many of them visible in war memorials, churches and elsewhere.”
Premier Dunkley, who is also Minister of National Security, staked out a spot outside the Government Administration Building on Parliament Street with Senator Jeff Baron.
The Premier said: “I’m doing this because I care and it’s important to support those have contributed so much to our society. No matter how busy I am, I’m certainly going to take some time out of my schedule to support those who did so much and supported us.”
The Governor and Premier were part of a small army of volunteers, including Bermuda Regiment soldiers, out selling poppies.
L/Cpl Chris Matvey said: “I’m mostly the runner today [Nov 6] to help out everybody and make sure they have plenty of poppies and replace full collecting tins. People have been very generous – I’ve had to change a lot of tins.”
The 27-year-old from Paget, a full-time soldier, added: “It helps raise money for veterans and support them medically and financially and it’s good to see the community coming out in droves to support this.”
Regiment Captain Mark Lavery, who works for financial services firm KPMG, set up shop outside Hamilton Pharmacy on Parliament Street.
Capt. Lavery said: “It’s been good – there’s been lots of very positive people coming by. Everybody says I need a bigger collecting tin for all the money.”
He added: “It’s very important to support veterans who gave so much of themselves in the Second World War and increasingly it’s about remembering all the people who have given service.
“This is my way of connecting in as a serving soldier to help preserve their memory.”
Capt. Clifford Powell, Aide-de-Camp to Mr Fergusson, added: “If it wasn’t for those who fought in World War I and World War II, the world wouldn’t be what it is today. They sacrificed so much, so sacrificing a little bit of time to sell poppies is the least we can do.”
Click to enlarge photos:
Well done, gentlemen.
Raise funds for de Islands military veterans?????????????????
Can we use some of de $2million that we send to England every year ?
Great stuff!