Hartlepool Poppy Appeal gets off to great start to raise over £1,000 in first day despite pandemic

Appeal organisers were delighted with the support despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and restrictions when they launched in Middleton Grange on Saturday.

The team has set out their stall complete with a screen down the middle to be able to serve two sets of customers at the same time and has currently raised around £2,500.

Fundraising activities have had to be curtailed this year because of the pandemic with fewer stalls and some regular volunteers having to pull out.

But the team led by Hartlepool appeal organiser Sian Cameron will be in the shopping centre on numerous days between now and Remembrance Sunday.

Sian said: “All the staff were extremely helpful. The table was set up for our arrival and the queue markers worked well.

"The feedback we received from the general public was that they were really pleased to see the stall going ahead as usual.

“We had a surprise visit from my Royal British Legion manager who was very impressed with the set up.

“All in all it was a very positive day and we raised just over £1,000, which is not too shabby in the midst of a global pandemic.”

The table is located at the side of B&M opposite the O2 store and Boots.

It will be in the centre until Saturday, October 31, this week and then Wednesday, November 4, to Saturday, November 7.

Middleton Grange manager Mark Rycraft said: “Sian and her team of volunteers should be extremely proud of their achievement in just one day. I am pleased our customers are giving positive feedback too.

“Whilst events and other initiatives are on hold, it is important we continue to work with local community groups and individuals to raise their profile.

“We are currently in discussions with Harbour and Hartlepool Carers to reinstate the giving tree this year so look forward to that commencing mid November.”

The message of this year is Every Poppy Counts with the Royal British Legion asking the public to back the appeal like never before because of Covid.

It has a number of ideas online at www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/poppy-appeal for people to support it from home.

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