ADVERTISEMENT: South Wales car dealership Griffin Mill Garages Ltd has announced its support of the 2014 Poppy Appeal.
The Pontypridd-based company has been working closely with the Royal British Legion’s Pontypridd office to help support this year’s Poppy Appeal.
The multi-franchise car dealership, which has two locations in Upper Boat, near Nantgarw, has been working alongside Phil Richards and Lynne Woodyatt of the Pontypridd Royal British Legion to organise this year’s Griffin Mill Poppy Appeal.
From August 4 until Remembrance Sunday on November 9, Griffin Mill Garages Ltd and all its staff members will actively promote the Poppy Appeal across all five of their brands’ showrooms with signage, livery, window stickers, car magnets, collection boxes and poppy sales.
This year’s Poppy Appeal marks the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War. August 4 will also be the start of the Royal British Legion’s Centenary Celebrations – the day when Great Britain first entered the war.
The Centenary Campaign aims to cover the entire UK with poppy flowers, and with government aid, has been distributing seeds for organisations and individuals to sow since the start of the year.
Supporting the Poppy Appeal is a cause close to Managing Director Anthony Griffin’s heart.
He explained: “I and many of our staff have or have had family members and friends who have served or are serving in the armed forces.
“Working with Phil and Lynne of the Pontypridd Legion to support such a worthy cause is a real pleasure.
“We want to play our part within Pontypridd and the surrounding areas, not only in remembering those who were lost but also to help the Royal British Legion continue the fantastic work that they do in support of ex-service personnel and their families.”
Griffin Mill’s Summit showroom will be fitted with a giant poppy to represent the donation made by the company to the charity, and as a mark of respect for Remembrance Day, all Griffin Mill staff have been asked to observe the two-minute silence on Sunday November 9 and Monday November 10, at 11am.
Paul Gibbs, Griffin Mill’s Marketing Coordinator, added: “As a sign of our support to the great work of the Royal British Legion, we will be matching any donation, up to £10, made by all customers who purchase a new car during the period of August 4 to November 9.
“All we ask is that our customers match our donation during this time.”
All of the Griffin Mill team hope that with the launch of the new 64-plate registrations, due to be introduced in September, will help drive sales – and increase donations for the charity – to an all-time record.
They have other ideas for raising money, too.
Mr Gibbs added: “We are also looking at the possibility of hosting an event locally, working with the Legion and Rhondda Council to plan a range of activities that will hopefully encourage local businesses, community groups and primary and secondary schools to all make donations and get involved in supporting of this year’s Poppy Appeal.”
Peter Evans, of the Royal British Legion, said: “The Royal British Legion is extremely grateful for this local support for the 2014 Poppy Appeal. Local businesses like Griffin Mill Garages have been amazing in raising funds for us, which directly supports our welfare work, which is delivered across Wales throughout the year.
“We spend £1.4 million each week providing wide ranging, and practical support to members of the Armed Forces community who are in need, including crisis grants, family breaks, and benefits and money advice, along with employment support and training. We couldn’t do it without local support.”
For further information about the Royal British Legion’s 2014 Poppy Appeal email lwoodyatt@britishlegion.org.uk.
For more information about Griffin Mill, visit www.griffinmill.co.uk, or call 01433 824 216.