A charity partnership to donate revenue from sales of new potatoes to the annual Poppy Appeal has smashed its target and raised more than £14,000.
Nationwide Produce partnered with Suffolk-grower Three Musketeers to donate 50p from every box of mint salad potatoes throughout the three-week appeal, with an original target of £10,000.
“This charity fundraising promotion has been far more successful than expected,” said Nationwide Produce managing director, Tim O’Malley.
“We would have been delighted to have raised £10,000. However, the ‘Poppy Boxes’ were so well received by new and existing customers that we managed to raise a huge £14,443.
‘The British Legion are thrilled and so are we. A big thanks from myself and Edward Blanchard from Three Musketeers goes out to all the customers and staff involved – your generosity is much appreciated.”
O’Malley and Blanchard were inspired to launch the fundraising initiative after making separate visits to the Western Front battlefields of the Great War.
“We were both moved by these experiences and wanted to do something to help raise funds for The Royal British Legion,” O’Malley continued. “The charity relies on public generosity so it can continue to provide lifelong support for the armed forces community – serving men, women, veterans and their families.
“We’re proud to have created a unique opportunity for buyers to support the Poppy Appeal while also backing British farming.”
The ‘Poppy Boxes’ were sold between 21 October and 11 November 2015 through wholesale and foodservice companies throughout the country.
Mark Poynton, chef and owner of the Michelin-starred Alimentum restaurant in Cambridge, was the first person to champion the project on behalf of the restaurateur community.
Money raised through the Poppy Appeal goes directly to the charity’s welfare work, providing care to anyone who currently serves in the British Armed Forces, who has previously served, and their families.
