The Veterans Charity is proud to announce that its 2024 Ribbon of Poppies initiative, in collaboration with RAF St Mawgan, VIVO Defence Services, Gavin Jones Ltd and the Ministry of Defence, has received the prestigious Silver Award at the International Corporate Social Responsibility Awards, hosted by The Green Organisation.
The awards ceremony took place at the iconic St Paul’s Cathedral in London, where organisations from around the world were recognised for their exceptional commitment to sustainability, community engagement and social responsibility.
The 2024 Ribbon of Poppies was especially poignant, dedicated to honouring the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. The initiative sought to create a powerful and living tribute through the planting of thousands of crimson poppies at key historic sites connected to the Normandy campaign.
The campaign’s first-ever launch event was hosted by RAF St Mawgan in March 2024. Cornish veterans and local Service children joined RAF St Mawgan personnel to sow poppy seeds around the station memorial, bringing to life the core values around remembrance for a new generation. This marked a significant milestone for The Veterans Charity, and thanks to the incredible backing of VIVO Defence Services and Gavin Jones Ltd, the initiative quickly spread to numerous locations across the UK defence estate. Sites such as Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth and Southwick Park in Hampshire, both with deep D-Day connections, became vibrant symbols of remembrance, blooming with poppies in tribute to those who served.
“The Charity is honoured to receive the Silver International CSR Award for its ‘2024 Ribbon of Poppies’ initiative” commented Air Commodore Sonia Phythian, a Veterans Charity Trustee. “Recognition for the success of ‘Ribbon of Poppies’ also belongs to Station Commander Wing Commander Helen Simpson, and her outstanding team at RAF St Mawgan. Their support and collaboration made this idea possible, bringing together VIVO Defence Services, Gavin Jones Ltd, local schools, councillors, serving personnel, and the veterans’ community – united in purpose and remembrance. The Award celebrates the spirit of working together, national honour and caring for our planet. We are proud to nurture this growth of remembrance – crimson and strong – across the places that shaped history.”
Fellow Veterans Charity Trustee Iain Henderson said, “We would like to thank all our partners who have helped grow remembrance and create a carpet of crimson at key historic D-Day sites. Seeing how our ‘Ribbon of Poppies’ initiative has been so enthusiastically embraced and further developed by sites such as RAF St Mawgan is really special”.
The Ribbon of Poppies has captured hearts nationwide and continues to grow each year. The public is encouraged to get involved by pledging to “Sow the Seed and Honour the Deeds” via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ribbon-of-poppies
For more information about The Veterans Charity and its work supporting veterans in urgent need, visit: https://www.veteranscharity.org.uk/
