NZME. eyes $100k with digital poppy

Donations through the Pin a Poppy Appeal will go into the national Poppy Fund. Photo / File

NZME., owner of the Northern Advocate, has donated $20,000 to the RSA as part of a unique digital poppy campaign.

From today until Anzac Day, Northlanders at home and overseas can donate to the RSA via www.pinapoppy.co.nz and receive a virtual poppy to share via social media, or to save to their desktops and devices.

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.

NZME. chief executive Jane Hastings said RSA's volunteers did 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."

RSA National President BJ Clark, who is on his way to Gallipoli, said the initiative meant Kiwis around the world could make a donation and display an RSA Poppy as a symbol of remembrance. "We honour the memory of those who have gone before by caring for those still with us."

Donations through the Pin a Poppy Appeal will go into the national Poppy Fund, which is used by RSAs across New Zealand to assist veterans, former and current service people and their families in need. 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.

Visit www.pinapoppy.co.nz for further details and to donate.

Milk tankers sport centenary poppies
Milk tankers on the road in Northland are sporting iconic red poppies this month as part of commemorating the centenary of the Anzac landings at Gallipoli.

The poppies - a symbol of remembrance - are on the cabs of 350 Fonterra tankers and 160 Fonterra Brands New Zealand milk trucks throughout April, in recognition and support for New Zealanders who have served and sacrificed.

Fonterra Brands is also offering free Anchor milk to all 180 RSAs throughout the country.

Fonterra global operations managing director Robert Spurway said Anzac Day was an important time for all Kiwis.