August 26, 2026
Ann-Maree James is RBL’s Senior Volunteer Experience Manager. Seeking a career that delivered a more direct and meaningful impact, she found herself in the charity sector, where she discovered a passion for connecting people with their own opportunities to make a difference. Today, she coordinates all volunteering activity across the Poppy Appeal, for which our volunteers are absolutely vital.
Our volunteers are truly the heart and soul of the Poppy Appeal. Around 3,000 dedicated Poppy Appeal Organisers lead the appeal in communities across the UK every year, coordinating collections, managing volunteers and raising awareness. Together, they support more than 50,000 volunteer collectors and, in 2025 alone, helped raise over £54 million to support the Royal British Legion’s (RBL) work with the Armed Forces community.
Our volunteers are not just supporters of the RBL – they are ambassadors, community leaders and the driving force behind the success of the Poppy Appeal. Their commitment enables us to reach more communities, raise more funds and support more members of the Armed Forces community.
Every donation collected, conversation had and volunteer recruited contributes directly to our mission. The impact our volunteers make is extraordinary, and we are incredibly grateful for the time, energy and passion they give so generously.
So, what’s the problem?
Every year, some of our wonderful organisers retire after years of dedicated service, creating opportunities for new volunteers to step forward and continue their remarkable legacy. My job is to find those new people, and ensure that they are welcomed them into the Poppy Appeal volunteer community.
One of the biggest misconceptions about volunteering for the Poppy Appeal is that you need to have a personal connection to the Armed Forces community. While many of our volunteers do, many others don’t.
What they share is a desire to give something back and support those who have served our country. Volunteering with the Poppy Appeal provides a meaningful way to do exactly that.
What exactly does volunteering involve?
Whether you’re an individual, part of a group, club, or business, as a Poppy Appeal Organiser (PAO), you’ll be the go-to person for the appeal in your local area. You’ll receive full training and ongoing support from a dedicated Relationship Manager at the RBL.
As a PAO, you will:
- Inspire and coordinate volunteers in your community to help distribute poppies and raise vital funds.
- Manage poppy stock, ensuring everything is accounted for and funds are banked accurately.
- Lead the local campaign, helping to maximise the reach and impact of the Poppy Appeal.
For those that want to support but don’t want the lead role, volunteers can collect for as little as two hours during the appeal – and you’ll find that the public just tap their card, or throw the money in a bucket for you, you don’t even need to ask!
Why should I get involved?
Every day, RBL receives calls from members of the Armed Forces community who need support. Whether it’s financial assistance, help navigating a challenging situation, or simply someone to turn to in a difficult moment – we’re there when it matters most. By volunteering for the Poppy Appeal, you’re helping ensure that support continues to be available for veterans, serving personnel and their families when they need it most.
Volunteering gives something back too. Alongside the pride of knowing you’ve made a difference, you’ll meet new people, develop valuable skills, gain experience that strengthens your CV, and create memories that stay with you long after the appeal ends.
Many of our volunteers bring along friends, colleagues or family members and turn volunteering into a shared experience. The more, the merrier.
The Appeal brings out the very best in people, and I can honestly say it never fails to make me smile. Every year, I’m inspired by the generosity of the public and moved by the stories shared by veterans, serving personnel and their families, many of whom stop for a chat while we’re collecting. Those conversations remind me exactly why the Poppy Appeal matters.
Without volunteers, there simply would not be a Poppy Appeal.
So, if you’ve ever thought about getting involved, this is your sign. Join us this October and November and be part of something truly special. I’ll be there too, probably behind a Poppy Appeal stand somewhere, and I’d love to see you there.
Make a difference this Autumn, and join C2S and the local 2026 Poppy Appeal – volunteer for Wiatrose and help us raise another £25,000 or we can connect you to other opportuties and help raise money: info@c2sgrowth.com
Outside of the Gloucestershire please sign up here: https://rbl.org.uk/volarticle
