Who would have thought that the humble pakora, a staple of Indian street food and restaurants, could be both tasty and change lives?
Well, some £1,100 has been raised for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity with sales of the spiced fritters at the Army Personnel Centre Glasgow, £1,100 that will go towards the life-changing, sometimes life-saving, work that the UK’s oldest tri-service charity carries out in Scotland.
The pakora were donated by Glasgow-based PK Foods, and they were cooked – under the watchful eye of sometime SSAFA KIltwalker RSM Nigel Saul – at the city’s Army Personnel Centre.
The fundraiser was organised by SSAFA Glasgow and Renfrewshire volunteer Mike, who said:
“First, I’m just delighted at how much was raised. This £1,100 will go a long way to helping veterans and serving personnel, as well as their families, just as SSAFA has for nearly 140 years.”
He explained that just £10 can begin someone’s journey with SSAFA with one of its specialist Forcesline advisors while £50 could help pay for specialist support services that are a lifeline for members of the military community struggling to cope with addiction, relationship breakdown, and mental health issues.
Mike added:
“I’ve got to say a big ‘thank you’ to PK Foods, too, which gave the pakora to us for free, which means every penny raised can go to SSAFA, and finally to thanks to all branches, regiments, and ranks who were so generous on the day.”
Jason Stevenson, Sales Director for PK Foods Glasgow, commented:
“It’s always a pleasure and an honour to support SSAFA with these events, and I know the vital work it carries out in the wider community.”
Nigel added:
“I would just like to say a big personal thank you for your support with the event, I have had many people speak to me and say it was a fantastic event and great to see it back in the building.”
The next event for SSAFA at APC Glasgow is the Big Curry Lunch on February 24. Further details to follow.
For more information, visit ssafa.org.uk/scotland.
