SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity celebrated the festive season with a reception at Holyrood on 17 December, hosted by Convenor of the Cross Party Group for Armed Forces and Veterans Community Maurice Corry MSP and attended by SSAFA staff and volunteers from across Scotland, SSAFA’s Controller, Lt General Sir Andrew Gregory and Scottish Veterans Minister, Graeme Dey.
The evening recognised the breadth of SSAFA’s work in Scotland, particularly the fulfilment of over 4,000 cases and visits with over £2.1 million raised in grants for veterans and their families by the branch network and 276 people helped by Glasgow’s Helping Heroes.
The East of Scotland Military Wives Choir added to the festivities of the occasion, singing Christmas songs specially written for the UK-wide network of 73 choirs. The Military Wives Choirs Foundation, which encapsulates all of the choirs, is an independent charity and subsidiary of SSAFA.
Graham Meacher, convener of SSAFA’s Scottish Resources Committee said:
“It was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the incredible hard work of the 22 Scottish branches of SSAFA and review what has been another hugely busy and rewarding year for our Volunteer Network in Scotland.
“We were delighted to be given the opportunity to discuss our work, particularly the huge advantages of the holistic approach we have when working with beneficiaries. We cannot stress how important it is to encourage any veterans you know who need support to contact SSAFA.”
Convenor of the Cross Party Group for Armed Forces and Veterans Community Maurice Corry MSP said:
“It was a privilege to sponsor the SSAFA reception at the Scottish Parliament this week – it’s volunteer network provides an amazing service across the UK and beyond, and certainly deserves to be celebrated. This event was a wonderful way to mark their immensely valuable and selfless contribution in support of the Armed Forces community.”
Visit www.ssafa.org.uk/scotland to find out more.
ENDS
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, has been providing lifelong support to our Forces and their families since 1885. Last year our teams of volunteers and employees helped more than 82,000 people in need, from Second World War veterans to young men and women who have served in more recent conflicts, and their families. SSAFA understands that behind every uniform is a person. And we are here for that person – any time they need us, in any way they need us, for as long as they need us.
For more information visit www.ssafa.org.uk and follow us on Twitter: @SSAFA.
Glasgow’s Helping Heroes is a service for veterans and their families who live or work in Glasgow, helping those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, as well as those struggling with tenancies. Find out more about how you can support Glasgow Helping Heroes by visiting www.glasgowshelpingheroes.org
