Tooting: Poppy Appeal goes hi-tech with contactless card machines

Many people who want to support the Poppy Appeal are struggling again this year because of the increasing number of outlets that are now cashless since the pandemic.

Shops, supermarkets and pubs in Tooting still have their traditional boxes and pins on the bar or at the check-out but few people carry any loose change to purchase a poppy.

The Royal British Legion, which marks its 100th anniversary this year, has tried to keep pace with technology and, for the first time, introduced 5000 card machines where volunteers can accept any payment, mostly in busy areas of footfall like stations and shopping centres.

Sadly, popular poppy-seller Bill Champion who was regularly seen outside Tooting Broadway station will not be selling this year after passing away in the summer aged 100.

The Royal British Legion's Assistant Director of Fundraising, Simon O'Leary, told Nub News: "In a society that is fast becoming less dependent on cash, especially since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, its vital the RBL's Poppy Appeal is able to accept contactless donations.

"We've been steadily increasing the number of contactless units available each year and we try to use these devices as effectively as possible in high footfall areas.

"Every poppy counts, and we want to ensure as many people as possible can take part in Remembrance, therefore if you don't have cash or access to a contactless unit, you can still get your poppy and donate online, by text or QR code."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson was photographed with a volunteer making a donation by card machine outside Number 10 Downing Street this week.

"Obviously, we hope that the card machine allows us to move away from the traditional pound for a poppy donation and supporters will consider donating a little more, especially as they know how veterans are struggling in these tough times," said a spokesperson.

Here at Nub News we know that our massive family of readers are big supporters of the military and the welfare of our veterans and we turn out in our thousands for special Remembrance Day events in our communities.

If you are having trouble buying a poppy and making a donation Nub News is providing a simple poster guide on how to back the Royal British Legion's campaign this year.

The spokesperson said: "Our support is a lifeline for thousands of serving and ex-serving personnel and their families.

"This year, as we mark 100 years of the Royal British Legion, we celebrate the return of our Poppy Appeal collectors in local communities. Our volunteers help bring together our communities and create better futures for our Armed Forces and their families.

"They share our belief that no-one who has served to protect our freedom should be disadvantaged because of the sacrifices they have made."

To see other ways you can support the Poppy Appeal, go to the British Legion or [L] https://www.forces.net/how-donate-poppy-appeal [L+] the Forces website.

Have a story in Tooting you'd like to share? Get in touch! Email [email protected], call 07557513104 or tweet [L] https://twitter.com/TommyJJourno [L+] @TommyJJourno [I]

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