However, I was really impressed by this year's Poppy Appeal campaign, which saw the creation of the Poppy Man, a life-size human figure made from poppies, to represent the help given to current and ex-service personnel and their families by the organisation.
Not only did the Poppy Man bring the work of the Legion to life in an original and poignant manner, but he also generated extensive press coverage by making appearances at well-known locations and events such as the London Eye and London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. His appearance in the 2007 poster campaign for the appeal further illustrated the Legion's Poppy Support programme, and provided a link between the touring activity and the campaign message.
It was also impressive to see the Legion using digital communications to spread their message, by creating a "Where is Poppy Man?" blog, in which his travels were recorded and photos posted, as well as creating his own Facebook page. Both executions were great tactics to ensure that the message reached the younger generation, whom the British Legion's work can sometimes bypass. There was even a text number to receive a download of a poppy to your mobile phone.
The 2007 Poppy Appeal was current and relevant, particularly to the younger generation, and reinforced the Legion's significance in today's society. I really hope that the campaign translated into donations worthy of such an excellent cause.