Volunteers gather to set poppy appeal off to flying start in Wembley

Labour councillors Cllr Shafique and Cllr Marquis joined the volunteers on Saturday (Image: Archant)

Volunteers from Wembley’s Air Training Corps joined with veterans of World War II and Brent councillors at the Asda store in Wembley Park on Saturday to sell the iconic poppy pins to shoppers.

The volunteers from Wembley and Sudbury branch of the Royal British Legion celebrated raising £941.04 in donations on the first day of the appeal.

Money raised will go towards the Royal British Legion’s support for war veterans and retired servicemen and women.

Cllr Shafique Choudhary and Cllr Sarah Marquis joined the poppy sellers as they launched their bid to equal last year’s fundraising total of £67,622.78 for the 2014 centenary commemoration year of the Great War (1914-1918).

Geraldine Cook, an RBL volunteer who took part in Saturday’s launch said the record amount ranks the Wembley and Sudbury association as one of the highest-achieving associations in the country.

Geraldine Cook, an RBL volunteer who took part in Saturday’s launch said: “There was a wonderful atmosphere this Saturday morning at ASDA of fun and friendship.

Mrs Cook is encouraging members of the community to volunteer their time and enthusiasm to this year’s appeal.

She added: “The fundraising success thus far is due to the wonderful people of Brent.

“Contributions are made by adults, teenagers and children and their parents and teachers, some of whom have lived here for many year or who are veterans themselves-along with businesses and tradespeople who pass through from neighbouring areas.

“We are proud of them and we certainly would love help with this 2015 appeal to assist us in keeping up this remarkable total and to keep this tiny branch alive. Volunteer and members are more than welcome!”

If you would like to volunteer your time to sell poppies please contact Anthony Walton in the Volunteer reserve corps on 07957209472 .