Supporting Poppyscotland

The Challenge

Whilst the charity completes many fundraising and awareness campaigns, the historical importance associated with Remembrance Day means this is often the best time to harness support due to it being front of mind across the nation. As a result, in November each year the charity is at its busiest for fundraising and welcomes all the support it can to raise as much funds for Serving personnel, Veterans and their families as part of The Scottish Poppy Appeal.

The Solution

The charities support of veterans matches that of Our Planet and Sunbelt Rentals commitment to support veterans and help transform communities and lives. When the opportunity arose to support the charity, our teams jumped into action.

Each person at Sunbelt Rentals is entitled to two days paid volunteering time per year and our Scotland teams used some of this time to help create the Field of Remembrance and to sell Poppies at key City locations across the country.

On the 21st October, Douglas Smith, Sales Director and Lisa Kennedy, Field Sales Executive, spent the day helping to construct the Field of Remembrance in Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh in preparation for its opening to the public a few days later. The official launch took place on the 24th October and saw the heads of the three Armed Services, The Rt Honourable Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, and Keith Brown MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans, join Poppyscotland to begin the 2022 Scottish Poppy Appeal. They event saw many moving tributes and the area remained open to the public until the morning of the 14th November.

During early November eight more volunteers from our teams in Scotland helped the charity to raise awareness and sell Poppy’s in City Centre locations. On the 3rd November two Sunbelt volunteers helped Poppyscotland in Edinburgh City and a further six volunteers helped in Glasgow on the 9th November.

The Result

In total, Sunbelt Rentals provided 72 hours of volunteering time to Poppyscotland over the period of three weeks in 2022. Damian Doran-Timson from Poppyscotland said, “The money raised on City Poppy days makes a significant difference to veterans and their families who are in need. A massive thank you to all who are supporting us, it is very much appreciated”

Lisa Kennedy who volunteered for the Field of Remembrance said “It was a privilege to spend some time with other volunteers from various businesses for this great cause.” Douglas Smith who also volunteered added “Several veterans, tourists and passers-by commented on how beautiful the garden looked and they were all grateful for the work all of the volunteers were doing. It was fantastic to be a part of it and know the proceeds raised will be put to good use by this great Charity.”

Sarah MacGregor, Social Impact and Stakeholder Manager said “It is wonderful to see our volunteering days being used for such a worthy cause which aligns with our social impact company aims and commitments. To continue our support for the Armed Forces community we look forward to working once more with Poppyscotland and other similar organisations to make a difference.”

Find out more about the charity at www.poppyscotland.org.uk