Recycled cola bottles make up iconic Remembrance Day display fundraiser

For the second year running, Dorchester resident and daughter of retired RAF veteran Fiona Hooper, has put up an amazing display of poppies in hopes of raising money for charities which support armed forces.

The homemade display, made from the bottoms of Fiona’s neighbours recycled cola bottles, comprises of over 1000 faux poppies.

Following a successful £1,700 fundraiser last year, 54-year-old Fiona anticipates that this year's giving will take a hit due to the current economic crisis.

She said: “I fear it will be difficult to do better than last year. Times are tough and lots of people are struggling with money.”

She added: "What I have seen so far is people donating the change in their pockets. Just one or two pounds is fine. It all adds up and it all goes to the charity - I don't take any of it."

Fiona predicts that she will make £100 of her current £500 target and wants to encourage people continue donating, so that charities like the RAF Benevolent Fund have the resources necessary to provide help to those in the RAF Family who are in need.

She said: “Donations have started off slow and I’ve only bought in £100. With the cost-of-living crisis, it’s important now more than ever for those who are able, to give, and to do so liberally.”

She continued: “Charities like the RAF Benevolent Fund support the needs of people who, like my father, provided an invaluable service to the country.”

A tribute to Fiona's father Bob Hooper, who served in the RAF, Fiona has acknowledged the privilege of never having needed to rely on the Fund’s services, whilst emphasising the importance of making provisions for those who do.

She said: “Fortunately, we’ve never had to rely on the support of the Benevolent Fund – but we know how important it is and that’s why people must try to keep on giving.”

She added: “To those able to give, every little helps. Doesn’t matter how little or how much.”

The display can be seen at 166 Monmouth Road near the Baker's Arms pub, in Dorchester. To support the fundraiser click here.

Find out more about doing your own fundraising here.