RANGERS have been presented with a unique poppy gift in recognition of their fundraising efforts for Erskine.
The Rangers Supporters Erskine Appeal broke through the £1million landmark this year.
Cash from supporters has been used in four care homes across the country as projects - including a Sporting Memories room and Reminiscence room - have made a huge difference to veterans.
A copy of the poem 'The Poppy', written by Paul Hunter, has now been presented to Rangers managing director Stewart Robertson as a thank you for the endeavours of fans since 2007.
Robertson said: “The hard-work and endeavour of the Rangers Supporters Erskine Appeal is a credit to our entire support.
"Reaching over £1 million in fundraising efforts is a stunning achievement and all for a fantastic charity.
We will remember them pic.twitter.com/IDZo0abysv
— RFC Erskine Appeal (@RSEA247) July 1, 2021
“Erskine goes above and beyond to ensure that our ex-servicemen and women are looked after with the highest quality of care and is a charity that we are proud to support.
READ MORE: Gordon Smith pays tribute to veterans and Rangers support as RSEA hits £1million mark
“We accept this gift from Erskine with immense pride and look forward to many more years of friendship between our two organisations. We thank Paul and Sheila for producing such a wonderful piece of artwork and poetry.”
'The Poppy' was penned in 2014 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War and the words have now been illustrated by Paul's wife, Sheila, to create the gift for Rangers.
The RSEA - whose president is former Ibrox striker Gordon Smith - was the brainchild of Ibrox supporter Tom Clark and he is delighted to see Rangers' role at Erskine honoured in this way.
He said: “We view Paul’s poem as a fitting gift following years of fundraising as it epitomises everything that we do for Erskine.
READ MORE: Rangers marathon man raises new car cash to aid Erskine veterans
“We are here to help support our nation’s heroes – servicemen and women who deserve to be honoured following years of service protecting each and every one of us.
“It is fantastic to see representatives of Erskine, Rangers and the RSEA all together to unveil and gift these poems, as we continue to work together to support this worthy cause.”
The presentation to Rangers was made by Wing Commander Ian Cumming MBE, Erskine chief executive.
The RSEA also handed over a second illustration of the poem to Erskine, which was unveiled at its Bishopton home.
Cumming said: “Presenting Rangers Football Club with this stunning piece of artwork and poetry is a small token of our gratitude for over a decade of support from the club’s fans.
National Clinical Director @jasonleitch is back on Erskine Veterans Radio at 12pm today - tune in at https://t.co/VC6ovSkozZ 👨⚕️
— Erskine Veterans Charity (@ErskineCharity) July 1, 2021
Here's a sneak peek of when we asked him when he thought the pandemic might end... pic.twitter.com/UWywWVj6Qd
“We are forever indebted to them and are enormously grateful for the continued backing from the Rangers Supporters Erskine Appeal and their tireless fundraising efforts.”
Paul's poem speaks of what the poppy means, while serving as a heartfelt reminder that we must never forget fallen Veterans.
And he is pleased to see his words used to mark such an achievement from Rangers supporters as they help a cause close to their hearts.
He said: “My wife, Sheila, and I are both delighted and truly honoured to see our work unveiled inside the home and also presented as a gift to Rangers.
“We have been long admirers of the RSEA’s fundraising efforts for Erskine, and it is with great pleasure to see the poem continue to resonate with so many.
“The Poppy was written to serve as a reminder as to why the poppy exists, and why we should continue to honour our fallen heroes. We just want it to be seen for what it was intended, simply as a badge of honour and respect.”
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