MP calls on residents to back Poppy Appeal

A Sunderland MP is encouraging her constituents to support the annual Poppy Appeal despite collections being disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Washington and Sunderland West MP and Shadow Minister for Veterans, Sharon Hodgson, spoke in support of the Washington branch of the Royal British Legion after visiting its appeal stall in ASDA at the Galleries in Washington.

Sharon, who is honorary president of the branch, supports the local Poppy Appeal each year but, due to coronavirus restrictions, the appeal is very different this year – with some people unable to volunteer or fundraise as they usually would.

She said: “I’m proud to support this year’s Poppy Appeal at the Galleries. Whilst the Appeal is slightly different this year, I’m encouraged to see the way local volunteers and the RBL have adapted to the challenges the virus has posed.

“Constituents can still support the Poppy Appeal by donating a poppy through the post to neighbours, displaying a poppy in your window, donating online or undertaking a virtual Poppy run.

“I hope that my constituents will continue to show their support for the Royal British Legion and our service personnel, past and present.”

Malcolm Pickering, Local Poppy Appeal organiser and volunteer, said: “I am delighted that Sharon was able to join and support us at this year’s local Poppy Appeal stall.

“Like most things this year, the Appeal and Remembrance Day events are very different to how we would normally commemorate those who have served, but it is no less important.”

Visit https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/ poppy-appeal