Our colleagues across the country are big supporters of the annual Poppy Appeal – and in Sittingbourne the local Royal British Legion have recognised the store’s efforts with a special award.
Their secretary Dave Powell – pictured above with the store's community champion Claire Fosbeary – said: "Asda and Claire really are brilliant. If it wasn't for their backing, we wouldn't be able to do what we do."
Claire met some of the ex-servicemen who are helped through the appeal when she picked up the award on the store's behalf at a Royal British Legion ceremony.
She said: “I met one soldier who had lost both of his legs in an explosion in Afghanistan. He told us his story and I was in tears.
"I'm really passionate about the appeal. In my community role I do everything I can to promote the Royal British Legion and the whole store supports them.”
Dave, 70, who’s been fund-raising at the store for the last eight years, said: "We wanted to recognise what Asda do for us every year.
“The special award is a thank you for the store’s distinguished voluntary effort and acknowledges that such services fully and freely given are at the core of the success of our yearly appeal.
“Everyone at the store makes us feel so welcome and we have good friendly banter with the customers. They’re very generous, and we also meet quite a few old boys who like to chat about our medals.”
General store manager John O'Flynn said: "The Poppy Appeal is a cause very close to the hearts of a lot of colleagues and customers in the area.”
One of the Sittingbourne Poppy Appeal volunteers is Pete Burchett, who works in the store’s home shopping team. He’s second from left in the picture above, with John, Claire and Dave.
Volunteers from the Royal British Legion and Poppyscotland will be fundraising in stores until 12th November.
