Young Michael Chen gets a Poppy from Jamaica Defence Force private Nordrian Davy at the launch of the annual Jamaica Legion Poppy Appeal yesterday at Curphey Place in Kingston.

The money raised from the appeal is used to run Curphey Home in Manchester, an infirmary for Jamaican ex-servicemen, most of whom fought in World War II. Some of the money is also used to help other ex-servicemen who are not living at Curphey Home. The target this year is $3.5 million.

“Last year we didn’t make the target of $3.2 million,” ex-serviceman Bari Johnson told the Observer last week. “We made about $2.4 million.” He attributed the shortfall to the fact that sections of the island were hit by Hurricane Ivan in September last year.

Yesterday’s launch came with the traditional Concert in the Garden featuring the Jamaica Military Band, Commander John McFarlane, Charmaine Lemonious, Mercy Isaacs, Andrea Plunkett, and Scott and McIntyre.

The concert was not held last year due to Hurricane Ivan, which also damaged sections of Curphey Home.

Johnson and Major Victor Beek said they were hoping that the public would give generously this year, as the home needs repairs.

(Photo: Garfield Robinson)