How to buy poppies for Remembrance Day

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Poppy sellers would have debuted in their droves ahead of Remembrance Day this year alongside crowds of workers, many of whom will want to commemorate the occasion. But in 2020, both commuters and vendors have retreated, deterred by COVID-19. With funds running low nationwide, the Royal British Legion has had to adapt, finding new ways to sell to the public.

How to buy poppies for Remembrance Day

The Royal British Legion has deemphasised poppy vendors this year due to dangers of COVID-19.

The virus relies on close contact to spread, and poppy volunteers trade with cash and hand out the pins themselves.

So a host of new methods will replace in-person selling this year to bring the risk down.

Speaking to the Telegraph, a spokesman for the RBL said it would ensure “all activity aligns with current restrictions and social distancing guidelines”.

They said: “Whilst the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the ways in which we can deliver the Appeal this year, the Poppy Appeal 2020 is very much still going ahead and plans are well underway.

“The safety and well-being of our volunteers, staff and members is paramount.

“To protect those most at risk, we have taken the decision to advise collectors who fall into the vulnerable category not to take part in activity on behalf of the Poppy Appeal that would expose them to any additional risks whilst coronavirus is still present.”

The spokesman added: “Members of the Armed Forces Community are suffering significant hardship as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak and we at The Royal British Legion will do everything we possibly can to support them during these difficult times.”

People can pick up a poppy in person via most supermarkets this year.

Asda, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Morrisons and Aldi will all have stocks available in store.

Those who want to avoid an in-person purchase can also buy a poppy online.

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The RBL has opted to sell them via its online shop, the Poppy Shop.

They added their products are available on both Amazon and eBay.

The classic poppy will set people back £2 apiece, while their other options, which include a Remembrance Tribute and Car Poppy cost £2.99 and £5.49 each.

Poppy sellers aren’t the only aspect of the Poppy Appeal as the RBL has had to drop, as they have also had to postpone their City Poppy Days.

Each scheduled Poppy Day will not go ahead as planned in Bristol Leeds, Manchester, Cardiff and Birmingham.

They have had to postpone them until 2021 to safeguard their staff, with only the London Poppy Day scheduled to go ahead as planned.

The RBL explained: “London Poppy Day planning is currently continuing as it has its own dedicated staff resource who is able to solely focus on the challenges that COVID–19 presents.

“We are currently hopeful that appropriate measures can be implemented so that LPD can still take place, although subject to restrictions.”

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