A graphic designer’s poppy-themed masks have proved a hit in a venture set to bring a huge Remembrance boost for veterans.
Saddened by the pandemic’s impact on Remembrance Day commemoration events across the country, Kylie Long from Forfar created a personalised poppy mask for her veteran partner David McDowall, whose 13-year service career included time at RAF Leuchars.
Kylie, 36, who established her Rare Creative Communication business three years’ ago, said: “My work has gone quiet because of the current situation but as we approached Remembrance I knew it was something so close to David’s heart and made up the veteran’s mask for him.
“For us, it goes back to all of those guys who stand at The Cross in Forfar each Remembrance Day and it is so sad that they will miss out on that this year.
“The mental health aspect of this is such a concern because that group are some of the most affected and at risk from coronavirus and they are not now able to look forward to this annual event.
“When I made the mask and put up a photo on Facebook I thought two or three friends might be interested in getting one, but it really took off.
“100% of the £6 we are charging for each mask is going to Poppy Scotland because we are covering materials and postage, and we will be handing over the money to Forfar Legion.
“We thought it was very important that the money should go to our Scottish veterans.”
Kylie added: “We reached the £500 mark within just two days, and have more orders coming in.
“We have also just had another company agree to match what we manage to raise so we are buzzing whilst at home hand-making these face masks.”
The effort has become a family affair, with the couple’s three-year-old daughter, Thea modelling and making the poppy designs and David’s daughters, Darcy, 10, and Amelia, 14, also involving in the production line.
“It really has been a whirlwind, but hopefully it can bring some positivity in this uncertain time and keep the veterans in people’s minds,” said Kylie.
