JUDY Murray joined two serving soldiers today to kick-off Poppyscotland’s summer fundraising campaign, Tea & Toast.
The campaign mirrors the military tradition of having a cup of tea with a slice of toast at break times and even when away on operations, providing a comforting reminder of home.
The event was piloted last year with people enjoying mugs of tea and slices of toast to mark Armed Forces Day.
This year, the theme was extended to include variations such as a cream tea, toasted with a glass of fizz.
At the launch on board The Royal Yacht Britannia Judy Murray was joined by Sergeant Stephanie Sanderson and Lance Corporal Amy Sutherland from 2 SCOTS (The Royal Highland Fusiliers 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland).
They called for the public to get behind the activity and organise Tea & Toasts with family, friends and communities on and around Armed Forces Day on the 27th June.
Delighted
Judy said: “I was delighted to launch the Scottish Poppy Appeal in November and I am thrilled to be launching this big summer fundraiser. Poppyscotland needs to raise money all year round to support the Armed Forces community and Tea & Toast offers a simple but fabulous way to do exactly that.
“I hope the public gets behind Tea & Toast to ensure that our Servicemen and women, past and present, and their families, can get the help they need and deserve.”
Tea & Toast hosts can choose to put a price on the refreshments or offer them for free and ask their guests to make a donation. The money raised will make a huge difference to help those most vulnerable in the Armed Forces community.
Poppyscotland’s events fundraiser Marianne Craig said: “Tea & Toast offers an ideal way for people to get together and show their support for Scotland’s Armed Forces community. Our pilot last year proved extremely popular and we’re hoping to grow the activity so that it becomes a regular fixture over the summer months. It’s such a versatile concept but, plain or fancy, the important thing is that people are having fun and raising vital funds.
Support
The Royal Yacht Britannia was a fitting venue for the launch of Tea & Toast because of its support to the Armed Forces community. The top tourist attraction offers a significant discount on entrance fees to serving personnel and their families. The famous yacht will also be lit up in red this November in tribute to Poppyscotland’s work.
Bob Downie, Chief Executive of The Royal Yacht Britannia commented: “We are delighted to get behind this fantastic campaign and host the launch of Tea and Toast for Poppyscotland, the leading charity supporting ex-Servicemen and women and their families in Scotland.
“Over 3,000 Royal Yachtsmen proudly served aboard Britannia during her 44 years in service and, to this day, they return every year to spend a week working with Britannia’s Maintenance crew.”
