THIS year's Poppy Appeal in Surrey has already raised £880,000 in the chief organiser's final year in charge.
The appeal had passed the £1 million mark by this time last year but appeal organiser Peter Bruinvels, from Dorking, is still encouraged given the fate of many charities in the current climate.
Mr Bruinvels is co-ordinating the appeal on a voluntary basis, despite having been made redundant as the Royal British Legion's County Field Officer earlier this year.
"It's my swan song," he said. "I'm not working for them like I was before. I'm not sitting in front of the telephone calling them saying, 'How are you doing? Can you get another £20?'
"But everyone is doing their very best and it's been encouraging that they are still phoning up to tell me how they are doing. I'm still there, I'm not the ghost at the feast yet!"
With tireless work from volunteers and a major reduction in the number of tins stolen, the appeal is still on course for a good year.
"People have been remarkably generous," said Mr Bruinvels. "We are slightly down on last year, but in view of the difficult time with the financial situation it's encouraging.
"All the other national charities are reporting quite big drops and we are only slightly down. I think we will still get to £1 million, it just might take slightly longer."
The money raised through the appeal goes towards supporting former and current servicemen and women through things like welfare breaks, assistance with rehabilitation and even grants for white goods to help get people back on their feet.
"It's basically to improve their lot and make them feel valued and cared for," said Mr Bruinvels.
"It can happen to anybody – once you sign on there are risks. This gives people the reassurance that there are caring organisations like the Royal British Legion willing to stick up for and help those in need."
But Mr Bruinvels said the appeal relied entirely on the work of volunteers and he has made a special effort in his time in charge to get them the recognition they deserve.
He said: "I have basically got them invited to events with local councils to recognise their great work, rather like the games makers for the Olympics.
"I couldn't do my job or raise anything like the money we do without the large band of committed volunteers."
