Virtual poppy chance for more people to help veterans

Getting the poppy is easy - from tomorrow you can make a donation online or by text.

NZME., publisher of the Herald, has joined forces with the Returned and Services' Association for a major fundraising initiative to commemorate Anzac Day.

The Pin a Poppy Appeal kicks off tomorrow and aims to raise $100,000 to help veterans, their dependants and descendants.

For a $3 donation you'll receive a virtual poppy - a digital image based on the RSA's official design.

Once downloaded it can be pinned to your social media profiles or used as phone wallpaper so you can show your support for the RSA wherever you are.

Getting the poppy is easy - from tomorrow you can make a donation online or by text.

You can still support the RSA by wearing a traditional fabric poppy, the virtual version is just another way of supporting the cause. Pin a Poppy donations will go directly to the national Poppy Fund, which is used across New Zealand to aid veterans, former and current service people and their families in need.

RSA president B.J. Clark, who is travelling to Gallipoli for the centenary of the Anzac landings, said the virtual poppy meant more people could do their bit.

"This initiative means Kiwis around the world can make a donation and display an RSA poppy as a symbol of remembrance," he said. "We honour the memory of those who have gone before by caring for those still with us."

Full details of the appeal will be on nzherald.co.nz and in the Herald tomorrow.