Cadets smash poppy target

Dec 9 2011 by Jennifer Buchanan, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

CARING cadets from Ayr have smashed last year’s poppy collection total.

The 46 tough teens spent the whole of Poppy Saturday standing around the town centre with collection tins.

And the cadet force raised £4090, over £500 more than last year.

Major Kevin Wallace, the group’s commander, was thrilled with their results.

He said: “Luckily the weather was with us but it says something that a bunch of teenagers can stand there all day without getting distracted.

“They were really well received though.

“Lots of the kids reported people putting in a lot notes this year which is great to hear.

“The cadet who collected the most, LCpl Lyon, had £195 in just his one tin.”

The cadets and the Rotary Club of Ayr have a long standing partnership when it comes to collecting for the annual Poppy Appeal.

And Major Wallace has been a part of the collection for the last nine years.

He added: “Every cadet has to do some service in the community as part of their role.

“So the poppy collection is perfect for them.

“It means a lot to them as they are part of the forces as well.

“Many of the cadets’ fathers are ex-servicemen so they really understand the importance.”

Dedicated rotary member Geoff Barber organises the annual Poppy Appeal was overjoyed that the hardworking cadets had managed to surpass last years total.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted with the cadets.

“Last year they collected 13 per cent of the Ayr total in a single day and this year they have beaten their record total.

“These young men and women stood in the streets of Ayr from 9.30am until 4.30pm, a tremendous effort for a very important charity.

“The people of Ayr were, as usual, very generous indeed.”

For more information about the cadets visit www.armycadetforce.com