SSAFA Devon provides Christmas hampers to those in need

21 December 2021

On Thursday 9 December, Devon County Council’s Chairman, Jeff Trail BEM, hosted representatives from SSAFA and other dignitaries for a presentation of festive hampers to those in need in Devon.

The event was attended by the Chair of SSAFA Devon Branch, Brigadier Andrew Pillar OBE, and members of the Exeter Royal Marines Association.

Group Capt. (Retd) Gordon Evans representing the Lord Lieutenancy and Cllr Roger Croad, Cabinet Member for the Armed Forces, who is also a forces veteran, were also in attendance.

Every year the SSAFA Devon Branch, in partnership with Age UK Devon, provide locally sourced Christmas hampers to deserving veterans and their families, using funds from an anonymous donor. The hampers contain a range of items, including Christmas puddings, biscuits and preserves.

The initiative is now in its 13th year of the scheme, with 110 Christmas hampers worth £12,000 delivered this year to families across Devon.

Councillor Jeff Trail BEM said: “There are more than 100,000 veterans living in Devon and we have a duty to ensure that that those who serve, or have served, and their families, are supported.

“Many service personnel experience difficulties as a result of their experiences and can find the transition to civvy-street difficult. Charities like the SSAFA provide a safety net for those who need a helping hand.”

Terry Cuthbertson MBE, Branch Treasurer at SSAFA Devon said: “I want to thank our anonymous donor for their generosity; these hampers are really going to make a difference to families this year. I also want to thank our friends at The Baton, a Honiton based Charity offering support to the Military Family, for their continued financial support for an additional four hampers.”