Co-op make £5,000 cash boost to this year's Poppy Appeal

Staff from the Co-op presented the cheque toThe Royal British Legion at the official launch of the Poppy Appeal.

Lincolnshire Co-op made the donation because staff across the Society have been given poppy badges to wear at their discretion, in remembrance of those who died at war.

People and Performance Manager Barbara Farren and Funeral Director from Boston Funeral Home Martin Puttick handed the cheque over at the event, which marked the launch of the Poppy Appeal across Lincolnshire.

Many key figures from the charity were in attendance, including The Royal British Legion County President Simon Erskine Crum, former Lincolnshire Lord Lieutenant Tony Worth and County Poppy Appeal Co-ordinator John Johnson.

Head of People and Performance, Heather Lee, said: “Many of our staff are passionate about this cause and it’s also 100 years since the tank was first used, so as a Lincolnshire-based Society we make this gesture in recognition of our local links.”

The money donated to The Royal British Legion will help support veterans and their families across the county.

The Co-op will also be selling poppies across the business area to help raise even more money.

The first Poppy Appeal was held in 1921, the founding year of The Royal British Legion.

Red silk poppies, inspired by the famous First World War poem In Flanders Fields, sold out instantly and raised more than £106,000.

The funds helped WW1 veterans find employment and housing after the war.

For more information visit www.britishlegion.org.uk.