26/06/2026
THANET POPPY APPEAL 2026
Hello, I’m Elanor Ferguson and I’m one of the Poppy Appeal Organisers for the Thanet area, covering Ramsgate, Broadstairs and Margate.
The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal is one of the UK’s most recognised fundraising campaigns and this year our Thanet Appeal will run from 24th October through to 11th November.
Many people associate the Poppy Appeal with Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day, but the support provided by the Royal British Legion continues throughout the year. Funds raised through the Appeal help provide lifelong support to serving personnel, veterans and their families. That support can include financial assistance, recovery services, advice, advocacy and practical help during difficult times.
This year’s Poppy Appeal theme is “We Have Got Your Back”, and that simple message reflects the commitment of the Royal British Legion to supporting the Armed Forces community whenever and wherever support is needed.
The Poppy Appeal is only possible because of the incredible support we receive from our local communities and volunteers. Every collection point, every poppy stand and every community event relies on people generously giving their time. Volunteers are at the heart of the Appeal and without them we simply couldn’t reach as many people as we do.
We’re currently looking for volunteers across Ramsgate, Broadstairs and Margate. You don’t need any special experience and you don’t need to commit large amounts of time. Whether you can spare a few hours, a day or a little longer during the Appeal period, we’d love to hear from you. Volunteering is flexible, rewarding and a fantastic way to support both your local community and the Armed Forces community.
One of the things I’m particularly proud of this year is the involvement of local youth organisations and cadet groups. Young people play such an important role in keeping remembrance alive for future generations. By getting involved, they learn about service, sacrifice, community and the importance of supporting others. The enthusiasm we’ve seen from our young volunteers has been absolutely fantastic.
We’re also delighted to be launching this year’s Thanet Poppy Appeal with our Civic Launch event on 24th October from 12 noon until 2pm at Westwood Cross. The launch will bring together veterans, cadets, community organisations, local dignitaries and supporters to mark the official start of the Appeal.
The Civic Launch is an opportunity for people to learn more about the Poppy Appeal, meet some of the volunteers involved and show their support for the Armed Forces community. We’d love to see as many people there as possible as we begin this year’s campaign across Ramsgate, Broadstairs and Margate.
For me personally, volunteering with the Poppy Appeal is about community. It’s about remembering those who served, supporting those who serve today and ensuring that veterans and their families know they are not forgotten. The message “We Have Got Your Back” sums up exactly what the Royal British Legion stands for. Every volunteer, every donation and every poppy worn helps make that support possible.
I’d encourage anyone who would like to volunteer, support the Appeal or simply learn more about the work of the Royal British Legion to get in touch. Whether you can spare a few hours or a few days, your support really does make a difference.
Together, as communities across Ramsgate, Broadstairs and Margate, we can make this year’s Thanet Poppy Appeal a success and continue supporting the Armed Forces community now and into the future.
Because whatever challenges they face, we want our serving personnel, veterans and their families to know one thing:
We Have Got Your Back.
Thank you.
