MP backs Poppy Appeal as supporters in Sunderland collect funds

MP Bridget Phillipson receives her poppy from Royal British Legion members Bobby Newton and Elaine Griffin, at Sainsbury's Silksworth, with Rob Fraser.

Bridget Phillipson, Labour member for Houghton and Sunderland South, visited volunteers at Sainsbury’s in Silksworth as they collected funds and handed out poppies ahead of today’s Armistice Day services.

She said: “The Royal British Legion does a great job all year round in supporting our military personnel, veterans and their families.

“I want to do my bit in promoting their cause and to show my respect for those whose contributions have often gone unrecognised.

“In the weeks leading up to the Remembrance Sunday, it is important that we remember the sacrifice our servicemen and women, as well as their families, have made to defend our country and freedoms.

“I’d also like to thank Sainsbury’s for their long standing support for our local poppy collectors and organising my visit.”

Supporters can recycle their poppies in store from Monday until Sunday, November 27.

All collected poppies will go back to The Royal British Legion to either help make new poppies or to generate more funds.

Sainsbury’s has supported The Royal British Legion for the last 22 years, and last year customers and colleagues helped raise £2 million for the charity.