Primark Plymouth is honouring a former colleague and Royal Navy veteran by partnering with the Plymouth branch of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, to support veterans, serving personnel and their families this Christmas.
As part of a wider Christmas initiative from the well-known high-street retailer, the partnership will see Plymouth Primark donating specially selected gift packs of clothes and festive essentials to people who need them. The store will provide up to £500 worth of goods, alongside in-store donations and collection boxes.
Running throughout the build up to Christmas from 22nd November to 20th December 2025, SSAFA is encouraging Primark Plymouth customers to get involved in the partnership by buying items and donating them via the dedicated donation box at the store’s main entrance. Every contribution aids SSAFA in its vital mission ensuring that no one battles alone this festive season.
Tony Roberts, Team Manager for Primark Plymouth said:
“This month, we lost a well-loved member of the Primark Plymouth family, Mark Whitaker. He worked as a member of the Primark team for 18 years as a security guard, before retiring from the role.“Before joining Primark, Mark served in the Royal Navy from 1975 to 1987 working on the HMS Apollo as a Gunner, responsible for operating the Sea Cat anti-aircraft missile system.“He was a proud patriotic man who waited in line in London to honour the life of Queen Elizabeth II. At Primark Plymouth, we want to honour Mark’s life by supporting fellow veterans in the local area.”
Mark Tyrrell‑Smith, SSAFA Regional Chair for the South West region said:
“This is a great opportunity for the Plymouth community to come together and show solidarity for those who need support this Christmas. Seeing the Primark team honouring their former colleague in such a meaningful way is inspiring and we are so glad we can help provide support to those who were part of Mark’s wider veteran community.”
This partnership is just one of the ways the Plymouth branch of SSAFA support its local community, with the branches annual Christmas Fair a tradition that has been running for over a decade.
SSAFA volunteers have been helping the Armed Forces community – regulars and reserves, serving or retired, and their families since 1885. To volunteer or fundraise for SSAFA, or to seek support, visit the SSAFA website and search for “SSAFA near me”.
