People across Central were digging deep on Friday for the 102nd annual Poppy Day street appeal.

Poppy Day is the Returned and Services Association’s (RSA) main fundraising activity of the year, which welcomes a gold coin donation in return for a poppy ahead of Anzac Day.

The campaign runs throughout April.

Cromwell RSA president Denis Ryan and welfare officer Gordon Gates were among those who braved a chilly start to the day, to welcome donations at one of four street appeal stations in the town centre.

They said despite tough economic times, people were still being very generous.

“There’s been a few $20 notes,” Denis said.

Gordon said it was “amazing” what denominations of money had gone into the collection bucket.

Donations from Poppy Day helps the RSA improve the health and wellbeing outcomes for New Zealand’s veterans, of all ages.

The RSA was established in 1916.

Its aim was to take care of New Zealand’s veterans and their families when soldiers returned from Gallipoli.

While today’s soldiers face different challenges, the support towards them and their families remain.

Money from the street appeal goes towards assisting ex service personnel or their widows.

While it won’t be known for another couple of weeks how much was raised from this year’s poppy appeal, the first event in 1922 netted £13,166, with poppies sold for one shilling each.

On average, close to one million poppies are now sold throughout the appeal.

To hear about upcoming Anzac Day activities from Alexandra-Clyde RSA president Kevin Harding listen to our latest edition of The Outlet podcast.

For a full list of Anzac Day services visit The Central App’s What's On button.