Defence Force Personnel support Poppy Day

15 April 2008

New Zealand Defence Force personnel will be out in force around the country on Friday 18 April helping the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association (RNZRSA) with its national Poppy Day collection.

 “We are very grateful for the assistance given by our valued partner the Defence Force. Poppy Day is our biggest fundraiser of the year, raising over $1 million last year.  The funds collected are used to provide welfare assistance for all veterans,” said RNZRSA National President Robin Klitscher.

“Local RSAs, frequently with input from RNZRSA, provide funding for a variety of services including assistance for private surgery that is either not available through the public system or only possible after a long period on a waiting list.”
 
The RNZRSA expends some $2 million annually on its welfare activities, more than half of which is generously donated by the people of New Zealand on Poppy Day.

In Wellington volunteers from Veterans Affairs New Zealand and the Ministry of Defence will also assist with the collection.

ENDS

For further information please contact Ally Clelland, Defence Public Relations on 04 496 0273 or 021 569 130.

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