Why Do You Buy A Poppy?

[naomi24]

The Royal British Legion has just appointed a new Diversity Officer on a salary of between £64,122 and £67,437.   Your money well spent - or not?

[chelle7272]

Ah thanks Naomi.

I do agree it is a waste of money. 

However charity governance does set certain requirements of charities and whilst not necessarily legal requirements, if a charity does not have things such as EDI and environmental responsiblity embedded in to their organisations from the top down, this can be a real barrier to grants, donations, and the work they do. 

Sadly, it's never so simple to as to be able to use every penny raised for the cause at hand.  

[naomi24]

Chelle, I've been heavily involved in more than one major charity, and I've resigned from two as a direct result of what I considered to be an appalling abuse of funds.  It's my contention that people expect the money they put into charity boxes to go where it's intended to go - but it so very often doesn't.

[chelle7272]

I have also just moved job due to what I consider misuse of funds so I agree with teh principles entirely.

I also agree that people want to see their money go to the casues they think they are donting to, as do I. 

I just think it is useful to point out that often charities hands are tied in what they can do as they often have many hoops to jump through in order to stay trading, receive funding ad retain funding.

RBL is such a large charity it may not be relevant here, but it is something people should know about and consider.

For this reason I tend to donate to smaller, local charities where money can more easily go direct to the cause.

[naomi24]

I feel the same, chelle.  I put a bit in a box that's shaken at me but my full support goes to our local hospice now.

[rowanwitch]

I would prefer the money spent on equality and inclusion were less but I have a nasty feeling  the size of the charity carries a requirement to do something of that ilk.  Maybe the rules of the Charities commission,  or related to patronage.

 

As for the poppies  I would like a separate day for animals in war.  Maybe changing the purple poppy to a horseshoe or paw,  The white poppy for peace is a waste of time but the black one I believe is for civilians,  who are not included within the  remit of the RBL which cover forces and their families despite many civilians being engaged on vital war work.

[jourdain2]

Like naomi, I donate to small, local charities where any money is very welcome and well used.  I do buy a poppy.

I'm upset at this ridiculous amount of money wasted on this oficer.  I think there should be just 1 red poppy to commemorate all.  Other things create divisions when the overarching point is 'service and suffering for it'.

I'd also like some sort of acknowledgement of the role and suffering - and often final betrayal - of animals in War.

In France we wore the poppy and the French 'cornflower' - everyone was united.

[Ringlet]

I display the purple poppy for the animals that died in a conflict they could not understand, and could not refuse.  

[Peter Pedant]

In flanders field the poppies blow

between the crosses row on row

.....

[Old_Geezer]

Come on Naomi. 1st April ain't for 5 months yet.

[david small]

We buy a poppy to honour those that served this country, many who paid too higher price.💀

[douglas9401]

Not at home to Auntie Grumpy and her world view.

Must be tough being her in a less than ideal world.

[tommy39]

i have a key holder attached to my coat with the poppy insignia,i also donate every year.it's on my coat cos i remember them everyday

[tomus42]

I was wondering when the annual poppy outrage was going to start.

[naomi24]

Tomas, despite many of the responses this question isn't about poppies.  

[naomi24]

Douglas, that'll be out to lunch then.