The 2009/2010 National Poppy Appeal was launched with the traditional Concert-in-a Garden on Sunday 05 October at Curphey Place in Swallowfield, Kingston.   Among the specially invited guests were His Excellency the Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, the Chief of the Defence Staff Major General Saunders, the Acting British High Commissioner His Excellency Mr. Graham Clover and the new Canadian High Commissioner, His Excellency Mr. Stephen Hallihan.

As President and Grand Patron of the Jamaica Legion, the Governor General launched the 09/10 Poppy Appeal with the delivery of a heartfelt message encouraging patrons to donate generously to assist in providing well needed aid to our veterans.   At the end of his message, the Governor General made the first donation and was adorned with a poppy by Private Sanique Davis of the Second Battalion.   This Concert-in-a Garden was the Governor’s General first Poppy Appeal launch since his inauguration.

Throughout the concert, the Jamaica Military Band, under the captivating direction of the Bandmaster WO1 Albert Hird, delivered magnificent pieces of classical and traditional music.   This music kept the audience in a trance as their bodies rocked in unison to the various melodious tones.   A new addition to the Concert-in-the Garden was the presence of several guest artists who serenaded the audience with their excellent vocals and instrumentals.   In between musical pieces, the audience was kept in a constant state of laughter by the very talented and entertaining Master of Ceremony, Ms. Fae Ellington.

The objective of the 09/10 National Poppy Appeal is set at JA$4.3 million which remains unchanged from the objective of last year’s appeal.   The objective of 08/09 National Poppy Appeal, as outlined by the Chairman, Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Sewell during his welcome, was not realized as the funds garnered felt short of the mark by just over $300,000.   A renewed effort is therefore needed during this year’s appeal, and since ‘every mickle mek a muckle’, please give generously this year for this very worthy cause.

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