NFU launches Turkeys for Troops campaign
Injured British soldiers will be tucking into home-grown, farm-reared turkey this Christmas, thanks to donations from producers up and down the country.
The NFU’s UK Turkeys website has teamed up with Connect Packaging to launch its Turkeys for Troops campaign, which will feed scores of soldiers, past and present, for their Christmas Day meal.
Farmers will be delivering their turkeys to Catterick Garrison in Yorkshire, Headley Court in Surrey, Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, the Royal Star and Garter in Richmond, the Royal Hospital in Chelsea, as well as units in Colchester and Edinburgh.
It is expected that up to 1,200 dinners will be served as a result.
Pembrokeshire-based Capestone Organic Poultry is one local business throwing its support behind the campaign.
“I’m delighted that some of our turkeys will be enjoyed by the troops on Christmas Day,” said managing director Justin Scale. “They will be away from their families on a day when families are traditionally together, but at least they will be able to enjoy a festive meal with turkey produced to the highest standards.”
Kent turkey farmer Clive Wreathall has also joined the campaign. “We are only too pleased to be supporting Turkeys for Troops, particularly as my eldest son, Scott, is about to join the Army. Our Armed Services personnel deserve our full support.”
Lt Col Mel Pears, commanding officer of the 15x (NE) Personnel Recovery Unit in Catterick, expressed gratitude for the campaign. “The wounded, injured and sick of the 15x (NE) PRU are very pleased with this practical demonstration of support. It will provide happiness and comfort to each family during what will be a reflective and emotional time.”
NFU president Peter Kendall said that, from the farmers, to the Ministry of Defence and the packaging partners, “there has been nothing but genuine goodwill behind the idea of Turkeys for Troops”.