On Poppy Day today, Kiwis will have a new way to donate to the RSA - by purchasing a "virtual poppy".
NZME, owner of Hamilton News, NZ Herald, NewstalkZB and GrabOne, will be offering a digital poppy via the website www.pinapoppy.co.nz. From now until Anzac Day, people will be able to donate online or via text, and then receive a virtual poppy to share on social media, or save to their desktops and devices.
With all proceeds going to the Returned Services Association, NZME hopes to raise $100,000 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings.
Donations through PinAPoppy 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 help 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.
