THE Royal British Legion is appealing for Anglesey volunteers to help run its Poppy Appeal and raise funds for veterans, current serving personnel, and their families, who have served and sacrificed for their country.

The charity, which organises the Poppy Appeal every October and November, relies on more than 3,500 dedicated volunteers to help deliver the appeal across the UK each year.

This year’s remembrance poppy has been given a makeover and will now be completely plastic-free and easily recycled.

The new poppies will be sold alongside stock of the original poppy.

Volunteers help to distribute poppies within their communities – nearly 35 million across the UK - and can take on a range of roles including Poppy Appeal Organisers who lead a team of dedicated volunteers in their area.

The Royal British Legion says all volunteers will be fully trained and the role can help people develop skills such as public speaking and building confidence, and will allow you to make new friends, and be part of a national appeal, which is giving back to the many people in the armed forces who have served and sacrificed.

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Anyone interested in finding out more about being a volunteer can contact the Royal British Legion on a dedicated helpline 0345 845 1945, or online at rbl.org.uk/poppyappealvolunteer.

The money raised from the poppy appeal can make a vital difference to people in the Armed Forces community, helping with everything from housing, the cost of living, help with mobility and getting back to work.

Claire Lewis, Poppy Appeal manager for North Wales, said: “I would encourage anyone who is interested in volunteering for the Poppy Appeal in Anglesey to get in touch to find out more.

“Poppy Appeal collectors are needed in supermarkets, especially in Llangefni.

“This could be perfect for Armed Forces Cadets, Scouts, Guides and other community groups like Rotary clubs, Friendly Societies and Women’s Institutes, to be able to get involved.

“If you are looking for a more active part in the Poppy Appeal, you could become the Poppy Appeal Organiser in your local town or village in Anglesey.

“This role is crucial to delivering the Appeal right across Anglesey and includes distributing poppy boxes, organising a team of dedicated volunteers, and running a Poppy Appeal in a local supermarket.

“You will be fully supported in the role, including receiving training before the Poppy Appeal.”

“If you are well organised with good time management, capable of leading a small team, able to build key relationships and have strong verbal and written communications with some IT skills, a Poppy Appeal organiser role may be perfect for you.”

Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, support your community and build your skills.

The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal was first held in the aftermath of the First World War in 1921, where red silk poppies were sold, raising more than £106,000.

Today, the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal is the charity’s biggest fundraising campaign and takes place every year in the run up to Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday.