FACT SHEET

POPPY APPEAL 2011

90TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE POPPY APPEAL The Poppy Appeal first began in Australia in 1921. This November, we celebrate the 90th anniversary since the red poppy was first bought and worn with pride by Australians in respect of our lost soldiers and war veterans. The idea of selling poppies to raise money for those affected by war came from Anna Gurin, a French YMCA secretary. In 1921, Anna Gurin founded The American and French Childrens League. Through the League she organised for women, children and war veterans from some of the most devastated war regions of France to make artificial red poppies out of cloth. The poppies were made as exact replicas in colour and size to those which bloomed in Flanders Fields. It was hoped that through the sale of the poppies, money would be raised to help the French people, particularly orphans, who had been greatly affected by the war. Anna Gurin was determined to introduce the idea of the memorial poppy to all allied nations who fought alongside France during the First World War. Australians embraced the idea and in November 1921, The American and French Childrens League sent one million artificial poppies to Australia to facilitate the countries first Poppy Appeal. The Returned Soldiers and Sailors Imperial League (RSL) sold the poppies in the lead up to Armistice Day on November 11 1921. The poppies were sold for one shilling each. Of this, five pennies were donated to a French childrens charity, six pennies were donated to the RSL and one penny was received by the Government. After several years, the artificial poppies were no longer shipped from France and instead began to be made locally by Australian RSL members. THE POPPY 90 YEARS ON Since the first Poppy Appeal in 1921, Australians have continued to wear the red memorial poppy each year on and during the lead up to the anniversary of Armistice, now officially named Remembrance Day. To celebrate the 90th anniversary since the establishment of one of Australias most respected and admirable charity fundraisers, The Appeal has released the 90th Anniversary Poppy Badge. The anniversary badge can be purchased for $30 alongside our annual poppy range available at: Your local RSL Sub-Branch (List available at www.rslvic.com.au From collectors in your local community during late October/early November Through ANZAC House at 4 Collins St, Melbourne
Poppy Appeal 2011 RSL Victoria ANZAC House, 4 Collins St, Melbourne Vic 3000 www.poppyappeal.com.au Proudly Supported by

Contact your local RSL Sub-Branch or call Appeals on 03 9655 5524 for more information.