Online appeal makes virtual blooms available

New Zealand's Poppy Day is something many Kiwis mark proudly each year by getting a traditional RSA fabric poppy in return for a donation.

It's the symbol of remembrance for those who fought to protect this proud nation and our veterans and ex-service people who were lucky enough to return from duty. NZME. - owner of Bay of Plenty Times, New Zealand Herald, Herald on Sunday, NewstalkZB and GrabOne - is supporting the Returned Services Association (RSA) to raise funds by launching a digital poppy that is available in the same way.

From today until Anzac Day, people will be able to donate online or via text to receive a virtual poppy to share via their social media, or to save to their desktops and devices via the website www.pinapoppy.co.nz.

NZME. hopes to raise $100,000 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to the RSA Poppy Appeal. The Pin a Poppy Appeal campaign has received a significant start with a $20,000 donation from NZME. to support the RSA's work.

NZME. chief executive Jane Hastings said, "RSA's volunteers do a wonderful job of getting poppy badges to the public. Through our digital reach NZME. believes that we can help attract a wider, younger audience including Kiwis living abroad to participate in the Poppy Appeal and drive participation and donations for our veterans via pinapoppy.co.nz.

RSA chief executive David Moger said the organisation was excited by the appeal. "It's a great new way for people to contribute ... It would be wonderful to see poppies blooming right across the web over the next week."

The national Poppy Fund is used by RSAs to help veterans, former and current service people and their families. Assistance can range from grants for those in financial difficulty, to helping with practical tasks, supplementing healthcare costs, counselling, providing meals on wheels, home maintenance or simply offering friendship and support in times of need or illness.