Mum’s shoe-per idea for heroes
Published: May 13, 2008
ARMED force personnel serving far away from home and family are often without creature comforts.
The arrival of post is always a highlight, but, for some brave troops, being without a family means they don’t receive any morale boosting treats.
Inspired after hearing from her son, who is in the Royal Anglian Regiment, how the soldiers share their parcels with those who haven’t got anything, Werrington mother Gloria Aschettino was moved to start an appeal to help make up parcels of goodies for soldiers.
Mrs Aschettino said: “The paras don’t have access to the base camp, and my son said getting stuff sent through to them made a real difference. I received a letter from my son and the lads saying thank you after they heard about us setting up the appeal.
“The response from everyone has been mind-blowing.”
With son Liam (18) currently away on active service and her eldest son Guiseppe (22) also having served in the armed forces, it is an appeal close to Mrs Aschettino’s heart
The “Peterborough Supports Our Heroes” campaign puts together boxes containing anything from socks and sweets, to DVDs and magazines, along with essentials such as razors.
Even Peterborough United have got behind the appeal, and Posh have offered the signed shirts and memorabilia from the upcoming friendly against Manchester United.
These goodies will then be whisked back to The Dragon pub, in Werrington, for a one-off auction to further boost the coffers.
Landlord of the pub Janek Skutela is looking after the shoeboxes for the charity after getting involved because the Aschettinos are regular customers.
“Its great to be able to support our troops overseas by sending them bits and pieces which they can’t get. We will be holding another fund-raising event for the charity in August.”
Kind-hearted residents at Martin Court in Werrington also joined in the action by collecting 25 shoeboxes in total and presented them to a grateful Mr Skutela.
Chairman of the Residents’ Association John Rice said: “I asked if anyone was interested in helping in the morning, and by teatime generous residents had given £65 in cash. Our final total was £120, which we used to go and stock the boxes.”
Nearby sheltered accommodation Sweetbriers residents have also helped out with the boxes.
If you enjoyed this good news Subscribe to Good News Blog
Share this
To share this simply copy and paste one of the below URL's: