Hartlepool volunteers rally round for scaled-back Poppy Appeal after fundraiser hit by the pandemic

The Covid restrictions mean this year’s appeal will not be as wide ranging as in previous years with fewer public stalls and some volunteers who fall into vulnerable categories being forced to pull out.

But Hartlepool’s appeal organiser Sian Cameron says the response from people wanting to help out has been “amazing” and vowed to raise as much money as possible while keeping them all safe within the guidelines.

The Royal British Legion is calling on the public to support them like never before and slogan for this year’s appeal is Every Poppy Counts.

Sian said: “Middleton Grange shopping centre has very kindly worked with us to put risk assessments in place to ensure we can have a stall during the fortnight.

"I put a post on Facebook saying I understand if people can’t help this year but the response I got was amazing.

"People were clambering to do shifts. We will do our best while operating within the restrictions and guidelines and doing everything possible to keep everybody safe and also remembering that every poppy counts.”

Supermarkets are also set to play a more prominent role as a place to buy poppies and where people can still visit during the restrictions.

John Keighren, of the Royal British Legion, said: “Through our collectors, volunteers and supporters we’ve been able to distribute around 15 million poppies to supermarkets.

"A number in Hartlepool, particularly Sainsbury’s, Tesco’s, Morrisons, Aldi and Asda, will all be taking part in the appeal.”

People will also be given the option of making a donation at the checkout.

The Legion has developed a range of new fundraising and donation tools available online including a downloadable poppy to put on display and a ‘Poppies in the post’ pack.

Rotary Hartlepool has said it will unfortunately not be able to deliver poppies to all local schools this year nor be on duty at Asda.

But Sian said: “We would rather everyone came out of this healthy and well at the other end.”

Anyone who can fill the gap or wants to help in any way can contact Sian on 07787 570601.

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