Youngsters hope to save Christmas for veterans (From Daily Echo)

Youngsters hope to save Christmas for veterans after theft at Royal British Legion in Southampton

6:40am Thursday 23rd December 2010 in News By Patrick Knox, Senior Reporter

Royal British Legion Branch, in Eastgate Street, Southampton

KIND-HEARTED youngsters are mobilising to raise money for our war heroes after thieves stole £3,000 from the British Legion.

From 6pm this evening, a number of people with links to the armed forces will be out selling poppy appeal wristbands in the city’s shopping areas.

As reported by the Daily Echo, thieves raided the legion branch in Eastgate Street, dealing a dealt a hurtful blow to veterans who stood tirelessly in the cold collecting money.

But now the cadets have decided to do what they can to raise the cash again.

John Gore, a 21-year-old 424 Squadron civilian helper, said: “I was outraged by the theft, it was so callous. It was effectively stealing from the people who desperately need the money, people who are our heroes.”

They will be collecting in WestQuay and Above Bar. All the money will go to the legion, which passes the money on to ex-service personnel and families of the fallen.

The appeal has won the backing of WestQuay, who have also organised a collection among Christmas entertainers and gift wrappers.

Nicky Hopper, WestQuay communications manager, said: “We have supported the Poppy Appeal for years and felt we wanted to do something extra following the news.”

Archie Parsons, secretary at the Royal British Legion’s Southampton branch, said: “I have to say it is not just me but all the members of the British Legion in Southampton are overwhelmed by their support and what they are going to do.

“We have been so upset by the loss, because the money was to help not just those from the Second World War but also recent and current conflicts.”