The Tyne and Wear branch of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, has launched ‘Operation Festive Spirit’ – a Christmas hamper initiative delivering support and thanks to local veterans and their families this winter.
Volunteers are assembling high-quality hampers, filled with essential food items, festive treats and winter wellbeing essentials. The hampers will be distributed by volunteers to veterans and their families identified as needing a little extra care and connection over the festive period.
Betty Grey, 84, is among the first to receive a hamper this year. She and her husband Billy, also 84, are supported by SSAFA. Billy served in the Fleet Air Arm of the royal Navy as an aircraft handler.
Earlier, SSAFA stepped in when the couple were left without heating and hot water, arranging the installation of a new combi boiler. SSAFA volunteers continue to keep in regular contact with Betty and Billy, ensuring they remain safe, warm and well.
Betty said:
“We were so touched to receive the Christmas hamper. It was a real kindness and made us feel very looked after. Knowing that support is still there and that we’re remembered means more than we can say.”
Chris Tierney, Branch Chair for SSAFA Tyne & Wear, said:
“Christmas can be a difficult time for many serving personnel and veterans who are facing all sorts of challenges. Operation Festive Spirit allows us to bring comfort and dignity to those who have served our country. We’re so grateful to all our supporters who are helping us make this happen.”
Linda Lilburn (pictured), Tyne and Wear events volunteer, and part of the ‘hamper team’, said:
“Delivering the Christmas hampers is such a lovely thing to do. You can see straight away how much it means to people; it gives you that warm feeling knowing you’ve helped make someone’s Christmas a little bit brighter. But also, it’s a thank you to that person for their service to the nation, in whatever role they’ve played.”
Graham Critchlow (pictured), Tyne and Wear events volunteer and part of the ‘hamper team’ said:
“It was great to be involved in a project like this. It’s good to know you’re helping make Christmas that bit easier for someone while also saying thank you to them and their families for their service.”
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, search for “SSAFA near me”.
