Annual Poppy Appeal
The Royal British Legion is largely funded by its annual Poppy Appeal or from legacies, special events, corporate donations, sponsorship, trading and direct mail which on average raises £50 million a year. The Poppy Appeal is the Royal British Legion’s biggest fundraising campaign held every year during the two weeks leading up to Armistice Day on 11th November and Remembrance Parades on Sunday 8 November 2026.
Much effort is devoted to organising the annual Poppy Appeal with a team of volunteers throughout Switzerland. The Swiss Branch is one of many overseas branches which has consistently collected a substantial sum for the Appeal. On average, over CHF 20,000 is collected annually, most of which is sent to assist those in need in the United Kingdom but there are a few beneficiaries in Switzerland.
Unfortunately, the poppy appeal in Switzerland has diminished substantially since Covid; therefore we would be grateful for corporations and individual donors to reach out and offer their support for our veterans and injured service personnel.
Where do funds raised go?
RBL funds mostly goes towards welfare care and support to anyone who has served in our Armed Forces, from British and Commonwealth communities past and present; offering help, advice or financial support. Some examples of the assistance given are: debt and money advice, food vouchers, medical care, support to rehabilitation centres (including prosthesis/artificial limbs, support for home conversions (such as a wheelchair ramp or the wheelchair itself). It also goes towards having qualified dementia or mental health professionals regularly on hand to talk to and provide reassurance. Finally, for the elderly, it supports a number of dedicated Residential Care Homes that are staffed, managed and maintained by the RBL.
Donations can be made to the following Post Finance account:
Royal British Legion Swiss Branch
1200 Genève
Account: 12-2276-8
IBAN: CH02 0900 0000 1200 2276 9
Where do I find poppies to buy in Switzerland?
Berne
- British Embassy
- St Ursula’s Church
- Stauffacher Book Shop – English book department
- International School
- British School of Berne
Geneva
- Lady Godiva pub, Plainpalais, Geneva
- Charlie O'Neills & Mulligans pubs, City, Geneva
- Crowned Eagle pub, Paquis, Geneva
IATA - Global Fund
- Trafigura
- Saffery
- Citigroup
- Barclays Bank (Suisse) SA
- British Swiss Chamber of Commerce
- Ecolint Schools, Geneva
- British School of Geneva
- Jim's British Market, at Gland, Vaud
Lausanne
- Scots Kirk
Vevey
- Saint Georges School, Clarens
- Haut-Lac School, St Legier
- Aiglon Collège, Villars
- All Saints Church,Vevey
- St John’s Church, Territet, Montreux
- St Peter’s Church, Château d’Oex
- Riviera Rugby Club and Beau Soleil School sometimes
Verbier
- The Alp & Horn pub
- Pub Mont Fort
Basel
- TBC
Lugano
- Anglican Church of St Edward the confessor, Lugano
Zurich
- Barclays Investment Bank
- Stand-Up Comedy Club
Other
- Mr. Pickwicks Pub, Geneva
- Pickwicks, Basel
- Pickwicks, Bern
Pickwicks, Lucerne
Pickwicks, Zug - Pickwicks, Zurich
If you wish to get involved with the Poppy Appeal, please use the "Contact Us" link above.
Poppy Appeal Team
- Lorraine Clay Regional Poppy Appeal coordinator; plus Bern region
- Myles Stott Geneva region
- Ben Holt Vaud region
- Mark Philips Lausanne, Vaud region
- Lorraine Clay Montreux & Vevey - Vaud region
- Anne Peden Valais region
- Lorraine Clay Ticino region
- Dr David Love Basel region
- Rupert Fryer Zurich region
Anyone wishing to get involved or become a Poppy Appeal regional co-ordinator to expand our network across Switzerland, they would be gratefully welcomed.
Please email the Chairman: efk.chairman.rblch@bluewin.ch
