‘It’s the generosity of local businesses that can make this a success’

24 November 2025

Volunteers behind the Grampian branch of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, are on a mission to create a festive hamper for every beneficiary they have supported this year – and they need the backing of the business community to make it happen.

This year marks the group’s most ambitious hamper drive to date and requires branch volunteers to collect, pack, and deliver 50 seasonal sacks full of food, toys, and treats to people across the region this December.

In previous years branch volunteers have created around 20 hampers but then had to “pick and choose” which beneficiaries to distribute them to. It’s a choice Branch Secretary Shirley Lumby said has become untenable as the cost of living crisis continues.

“This year we have had so many cases of people who need food vouchers,” Shirley explained. “It’s just too hard to differentiate this year, so we’re going much bigger.

“I’m so proud of our branch for doing this and really making a difference. The generosity of the local business network can really help us make it a success.”

SSAFA’s Grampian branch is one of 17 in Scotland that exist to help reach and embrace the Armed Forces community and make sure no-one has to battle alone. Grampian branch boasts 21 volunteers who support serving personnel, veterans, and families in need with everything from food vouchers to furniture, accessibility aids like mobility scooters and wet rooms, to signposting financial support.

RAF veteran Shirley said the hampers always generate a positive response. “Last year everyone was really excited,” she said. “Some of our beneficiaries got quite emotional about it. We got really good feedback from everyone; the response is always really unexpected.”