The high street in Stevenage old town looks set to be a sea of red, thanks to the community efforts being spearheaded by Jo Sorrell, owner of Retas award winning retailer, Cardies.
“My feeling is that as an independent retailer you are well-placed to instigate community initiatives, working together you achieve a lot more,” Jo told PG Buzz.
Keen to mark Remembrance Day, Jo joined forces with other like-minded folk in the Hertfordshire town to create garlands of poppies made from plastic bottles that Jo and others have collected.
Jo and others have spent hours cutting and painting ‘poppies’ from the bottles which are to be put on display on a pub fascia, shops and on the railings, including those outside Cardies.
Above: A close up of a plastic bottle poppy made by Jo.
“We have also been working with other groups in the town who are making poppies from other materials, from wool to paper plates,” Jo explained.
Inside Cardies the Poppy trail continues as poppies, knitted by Jo’s aunt are also being sold to raise funds for the Royal British Legion.
Enveco Has The Poppy Appeal Licked
Elsewhere in the trade, specialist envelope company, Enveco is running a charity campaign for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal throughout November. For every 1,000 Poppy Red envelopes sold (in any of its six stock sizes) the company will donate £1. The Enveco staff are also getting involved by wearing red on November 12 and will be making personal donations. The Poppy Appeal is a charity close to Enveco’s heart.
Top: Poppy garlands, made from plastic bottles are to be affixed outside Cardies in Stevenage.
