NORMALLY people visit a bank to make withdrawals, but kind-hearted visitors to Nationwide in Wokingham have given very generously to the Poppy Appeal.
More than £1,200 was donated via the Broad Street branch’s collection this year and last Friday, staff from the branch handed over a cheque to the appeal’s local organiser, David Dunham.
Samantha Matthews had co-ordinated the branch’s collections, organising an impressive window display that attracted crowds and encouraged donations.
She said that she and her team spent four days working on creating the 151 poppies that were placed in the window.
“We just did as many as we could,” she explained. “Lots of people said how lovely it was to see them. People were stopping and taking photos of the display.”
And they came in to ensure that the appeal raised as much money as possible, buying poppies, pin badges and other merchandise.
“We are grateful that the customers have been so generous,” Ms Matthews added. “Opening the tins – it was phenomenal.
“People had been putting £10 notes into the pot.”
“It’s overwhelming how much we have raised this year, thank you for all this support.”
And Mr Dunham added: “This is the first time that Nationwide has done anything like this. It proves it draws people in and it works.
“It’s a great figure and they’ve really supported us. Thank you.”
