The generosity of the people of the Isle of Man never ceases to amaze and particularly in these hard economic times and  for the Isle of Man to be awarded the National Poppy Appeal Trophy for the 38th time is an incredible achievement.  The trophy is awarded to the branch / county in the UK that collects the most money per head of population, and the total raised last year was an all time record for the Island of ?135,600.  The collecting year runs from 1st October to the 30th September each year and for the last year 2011-2012 the IOM raised ?1.79 per head of population.   This generous contribution also saw the IOM awarded the “Hughes Trophy” for the highest percentage increase in collections for the same with an increase of 39.15%.

Steve Rodan – President of the Isle of Man Branch said “ On behalf of the Legion I would like to thank the people of the Isle of Man for their loyal and continued support which helps the Legion to continue spending more than ?1.5 million every week in welfare support to Ex-service personnel and their dependents and some of whom live on the Isle of Man”

District Chairman of the Isle of Man Graham Hooton said “ I would also like to take the opportunity to thank the many helpers who volunteer, usually inclement weather,  to make this all possible and it is great to see their hard work and effort being recognised by the Royal British Legion.  The Poppy appeal carries on all year so we would be delighted if companies on the Island adopted the appeal as their charity of the year and the public also have an opportunity to assist in this year’s appeal by donating at the display which has been set up at The Strand Shopping Centre to show the two trophies won by the Island.  I would also like to thank the team at The Strand for their help in agreeing to display the trophies for the next few weeks and also the their assistance at our Poppy Launch which this year will take place in The Strand on 26th October.”

For more information  on how to make donations for the Poppy Appeal contact the  Poppy Appeal  co-ordinator  for the Island at Casa Mia, Main Road, Glen Vine, IM4 4AZ or phone 851295. Or email - audreyrbliom@manx.net.

Photo - from left to right Audrey Brown MBE who is the Central Branch Chairman and who was presented with the awards at the RBL National Conference in May, Steve Rodan  - President of the Isle Of Man British Legion, Kay Baxter  - customer service and security at The Strand who put up the display, Graham Hooton District Chairman  - Isle of Man.