Ashfield MP proud of district's response to his poppy campaign
Ashfield MP Lee Anderson has been joined by local residents in his campaign to decorate the streets in poppies.
The campaign exceeded all expectations by raising £3,000 in just three hours and is now close to reaching £5,000.
Mr Anderson wanted to express his gratitude to the armed services by hanging street poppies on lampposts throughout the constituency, but due to the pandemic, this was easier said than done.
The Royal British Legion relies on the poppy appeal for the majority of its income and events are held throughout the summer culminating in Remembrance Sunday.
But this year has seen donations slashed as events haven’t been able to go ahead, meaning veterans won’t have the support they need.
The MP contacted the charity who explained that a lot of their poppy volunteers are elderly and vulnerable and have had to shield, meaning street poppies could not be purchased as there was no way to distribute them.
Mr Anderson said: “So many residents had contacted me about the street poppies but the legion just weren’t in a position to distribute them this year.
“I had to find a solution to this problem so I liaised with Skegby Councillor Melanie Darrington, as she wanted to do something too.
“Melanie offered to have the poppies delivered to her home therefore removing the legion’s distribution problem.
"I placed a big order not really knowing how many people would purchase one and asked for a minimum £3 donation.
I was overwhelmed when the £3,000 target was met in just three hours. I’m deeply humbled – the people of Ashfield have done themselves proud.
"They’ve bought the poppies, decorated their streets and helped their neighbours do the same.”
Mr Anderson has had ‘poppy hanging’ sessions with residents in Skegby, Carsic, Huthwaite and Outram Street.
The fundraiser has been so successful that the MP has since placed another two orders with the Royal British Legion.
If you want to donate and decorate your street, click here for details.