Providing festive cheer to our lovely veterans

15 December 2020

This year has been 'different', but we're still committed to supporting and providing festive cheer to our much-loved veterans. We normally hold a Veterans Lunch Club every week, but due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the Veterans Club had to shut down. It has not been possible to host our annual Christmas dinner, so we've had to think outside of the box. 

With the help of our corporate partner, Compass Group, we've been providing local veterans with Christmas hampers to celebrate the festive season.

Chel Turner, Divisional Secretary at SSAFA Southend, said: “Every December, with the help of Compass Group, we hold a wonderful Christmas lunch for our veterans so they can enjoy the festive season with friends and family.”

“Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic has meant that we have had to stop such proceedings, which is a real shame.”

Staff from Compass Group stepped forward to provide Christmas hampers to the local veterans, containing a range of items including festive snacks and gifts.

SSAFA and Compass Group will be delivering a total of 40 hampers to local veterans throughout the area.

In addition, we are also providing a scheme where veterans can loan items, such as DVDs, puzzles and books during the pandemic. The charity will also be delivering wooden kits so veterans can make wooden military vehicles, such as tanks and planes. These models will then be donated to the local school.

Chel said: “It gives the veterans something to do whilst in lockdown or isolation. It also means that we are able to do regular welfare checks and stay in touch with the veterans during this difficult time.”