Leading national charity Poppyscotland will be a noticeable presence at various events across the country this Armed Forces Day.
Taking place on Saturday, 27th June the day celebrates the Armed Forces community: from currently serving personnel to Service families, veterans and cadets. It marks the culmination of a week of celebrations, which began on Monday 22nd June.
Poppyscotland provide lifelong support, expert guidance and ongoing care for current and former members of the Armed Forces as well as their families when its needed most.
Last year alone, the charity responded to almost 800 individuals and families with advice and practical help on a number of issues including financial support, interventions and advice for people and families living with dementia, practical assistance and advice dealing with mobility issues, housing, mental health support, employment issues and much more.
This Armed Forces Week, the charity is reminding the public why their work matters and how they support the Armed Forces community all year round.
One such beneficiary, is serving soldier Timoci Waqanibau and his wife Titilia who contacted Poppyscotland for help, to reunite them with their children after nearly two years apart.
After Timoci joined the British Army in 2019, the family made the heartbreaking decision to leave their nine-year-old son and six-year-old daughter in Fiji while they built a new life in Scotland, staying connected only through daily video calls and the promise of one day being together again.
When Titilia reached out to Poppyscotland for help, everything changed. Within weeks, the charity arranged everything: visas, flights, and full travel support to bring their children home to Scotland, and to finally meet their baby sister. The reunion in October was everything they’d hoped for.
“The children were so excited, screaming. We all cried,” Timoci said. “All we wanted was our babies all together, and thanks to Poppyscotland that dream has finally come true.”
Leanne Bonner, Head of Scotland at Poppyscotland, said: “Families like Timoci’s are at the heart of everything we do. No family should have to face challenges like these alone and with Poppyscotland’s support, they don’t have to.”
For more information on Poppyscotland and how they can help, please visit: