Shame of Abandoned Heroes

Added: (Sun Mar 07 2010)

Pressbox (Press Release) - Afghan Heroes charity based in the UK have been knocked back by many large companies when asking for donations of gifts to send to the 10,000 troops stationed in Afghanistan.

Their mission has been to send a gift box to each soldier stationed in Afghanistan, and bring them some of the home comforts, and more importantly let them know that they are being thought of. Soldiers in theatre often cannot even wash properly and have nothing to divert them from the stressful situation that they are in 24/7. A typical tour will last for 6 months, during which time they are immersed with being on duty and have little to relieve the boredom when off duty

Items on the wish list are the essentials of life that mum’s said their sons missed on the front line like toothbrushes, antibacterial wipes, deodorant, lip balm, soap and flannels, to the likes of pens, CDs, anti stress balls, chewing gum, socks, and playing cards.

Jackie Lawson, who is the fundraiser for Afghan Heroes in Spain, and runs www.expats4afghanheroes.com was also horrified to hear that Afghan Heroes were also turned down by one of the most well know haulage companies in the UK when asked if they could donated a lorry for one day to transport the packages to the RAF for distribution.

“I cannot believe the apathy of these large manufacturers and companies in the UK. Here in Spain I have had so much positive support from both businesses and individuals”

Prince Harry praised the mums’ courage when he met them at an award ceremony in December. He said: “As far as what you are doing with this courage – sending parcels to every single serviceman and woman in Afghanistan – I can tell you first hand what a difference it makes. It’s not just what’s inside that counts, it’s also the knowledge people are thinking of you back home.”

Without the support of manufacturers and supermarkets in the UK, it means that Afghan Heroes Charity will have to use funds to buy the goods to fill the gift boxes.

A large team of volunteers will be packing the boxes ready for distribution for Armed Forces Day in June. The upcoming delivery of gifts for Heroes will be televised.

In 3 months last year Expats4afghanheroes collected €3866 for Afghan Heroes. Jackie’s new website has been launched to promote the UK registered charity. A new shipment of Afghan Heroes wristbands have arrived, and anyone wishing to purchase one or more can do so through www.expats4afghanheroes.com or by visiting any of the events listed on the website. The first schedules event is a collection day at Iceland in La Marina on February 13th, followed by a Charity Night at The Lounge Bar on Valentines Night.

“We will be having many events throughout the year”, says Jackie, “And they should be a lot of fun as well as raising the much needed funds. I know that Expats in Spain have been very supporting of the cause, and have been most generous.”

Wanted
Expats4afghanheroes need unwanted books which are being sold, along with the wristbands at La Marina Bar in Toretta 2. They are also looking for company sponsorship for the many upcoming events.
If you would like to buy a wristband- as worn by HRH Prince Harry, please go to
www.expats4afghanheroes.com or
email – expats4afghanheroes@gmail.com
Tel: 697501992