Plymouth shoppers raising funds for the Poppy Appeal

Customers at Tesco’s Plymouth stores are able to support servicemen and women for this year’s Poppy Appeal.

Last year, their support for the Royal British Legion saw £3.1million raised, and volunteers from the charity will be at the Plymouth Transit Way Superstore until 12 November, asking customers to give what they can and wear their poppies with pride.

In addition to this collection in store, Tesco will give customers the opportunity to round up their shop to the nearest pound at the self-service tills in all Plymouth stores from 3-5 November. Just a few extra pence quickly adds up, and last year this raised more than £135,000 – making a significant contribution to the £3.1million raised in stores.

Andy Taylor-Whyte, Director of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, said: “Life in the Armed Forces comes with unique challenges for those serving and their families during and after service. The generous donations from Tesco customers during the Poppy Appeal allow the Royal British Legion to provide support in many ways, from befriending services for those who are lonely, help with finances and housing, or recovery programmes after injury and illness.”

Tesco has a long association with the Armed Forces, forged since Tesco founder Jack Cohen used his demob money from the Royal Flying Corps to buy products to sell on a market stall.

As the headline sponsor of Armed Forces Day for the past two years, Tesco continues this tradition, as well as being the largest employer of veterans leaving the Armed Forces.

Rhys Little, Chair of the Armed Forces Network at Tesco, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our links to the Armed Forces and we want to support the valuable work of the Royal British Legion in supporting serving personnel, veterans and their families.

“Our customers have helped to raise incredible funds which are helping them to support veterans deal with injuries, build lives and careers after leaving the forces, and remember the sacrifice made for the safety of all of us.”