Chief Secretary to the Government Justin Saidi this afternoon officially launched Poppy Appeal Week on behalf of President Peter Mutharika, who has purchased the first poppy flower for K10 million in support of war veterans.
Speaking at the launch, attended by senior Malawi Defence Force (MDF) officials and NBS Bank senior management, Saidi said the President’s contribution demonstrated his commitment to improving the welfare of veterans and former servicemen.
He urged Malawians to buy and wear poppy flowers as a way of honouring veterans and recognising their selfless contribution to the fight for peace.
Veterans Affairs Coordinator in the Ministry of Defence, retired Colonel Kelton Katenge, said this year’s appeal aims to raise K500 million to maintain War Memorial Homes and improve the nutrition of veterans.
Katenge said Malawi has approximately 2,400 war veterans in need of support, including 43 pre-independence war veterans. He added that funds raised during the campaign would help improve their welfare.
Poppy Appeal Week raises funds to support veterans and their beneficiaries ahead of Remembrance Sunday, observed in the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries on the second Sunday of November.
