Bermuda Legion Launches Annual Poppy Appeal
The Bermuda Legion aims to step up its fundraising as the charity’s doors are opened for many more potential beneficiaries.
A spokesperson said, “A call for support comes as the annual Poppy Appeal was launched yesterday [Nov 1]. Poppies were adopted as a symbol to remember those who gave their lives in combat because their flowers flourished on battlefields after the First World War.”
Carol Everson, a welfare officer, case worker and secretary of the Bermuda Legion, said, “The Poppy Appeal stands for the sacrifice and suffering of war and the healing that comes after war.
“Today, of course, we are in the throes of more war, that we didn’t expect even a few weeks ago, and it appears that the devastation of conflict is very close to us.”
The spokesperson said, “The first remembrance poppy of this year was presented to Rena Lalgie, the Governor, last week ahead of the November 11 commemoration of armed forces members. Donations received by the Bermuda Legion for poppies go towards the care of Second World War veterans and their widows.”
Ms Everson said, “We have now opened the Bermuda Legion to all serving soldiers in the Royal Bermuda Regiment and all former soldiers, so we now have literally thousands of possible beneficiaries, which means, of course, that we have to enlarge our fundraising and work much harder because there are several aspects that we want to assist.
“One is: everybody serving in the Royal Bermuda Regiment should have health insurance. Nobody who has signed up to serve their country should be left unprotected.”
The spokesperson said, “Although RBR full-time employees are covered, the vast majority of members are part-time and therefore coverage is via a separate full-time employer if they have one or by some other arrangement.”
Ms Everson urged the public, “Please donate.”
She added, “We have a blue sky wish, which is for a nursing home. I think it’s very difficult for us to get there but we have some lovely templates for military nursing homes in England, they’re very beautiful.
“We want to make sure that everyone who qualifies for help is cared for. They can come to us directly, in total confidence, and we will help if we can.”
The spokesperson said, “Bermuda Legion – Charity 809 – tag days will take place on November 8 and 10; a Poppy Shop will open on November 1 in the Russell Eve building on Church Street, next to the bus terminal.
“Call 732-0100 or e-mail bermudalegion@gmail.com to donate or offer help.”
