Helping those in need in the communities local to us
The ongoing cost of living challenge in the UK means the most vulnerable communities are facing the greatest challenges and as a result food bank charities are experiencing high-demand for their services this winter. Many of the food banks that will benefit from the donation are run by the Trussell Trust, who are expecting it to be their toughest winter yet.
In the weeks and months leading up to the festive season our colleagues up and down the UK have also been busy donating and collecting essential food and hygiene items to provide their local food banks, and charities supporting homeless and vulnerable adults, with the resources they need.
Thank you to the team at BAE Systems for their incredible support. This winter is expected to be the toughest yet, with food banks in our network distributing more than 1 million parcels between December and February which equates to one every eight seconds.Emma Revie, Chief Executive, Trussell Trust
We take pride in extending our support to those in our local communities. Providing essentials, food and toys to local children and families can have a massive impact, not just during the festive season but all year round. Individually our contributions may seem small, but to others, they mean so much. I hope our donations bring joy to many individuals this year and we continue to make a positive impact for years to come.Robyn, First-year Apprentice, BAE Systems
Alongside donations, food banks rely on volunteers in their communities to help distribute donations and keep everything operational. A number of our employees play an active role - supported by our special leave policy - including colleagues from our Naval Ships business who volunteered their time this month to help set-up and decorate a new food larder in Glasgow.
Around 30 people shop at the larder each week but having a dedicated unit means that we can increase the number of times we open every week and encourage even more members to shop there. BAE Systems has helped make it a bright and welcoming place that will attract new members and we would have struggled to make the larder the community asset, that we hope it will become, without their help.Gail Paterson, Community Empowerment Officer, Linthouse Association
In the weeks and months leading up to the festive season many of our colleagues across the UK have been busy in their local communities.
Colleagues in Barrow collected and donated over 260 backpacks full of toys to give to children whose families are struggling this Christmas.
Colin is giving two weeks of his time to volunteer at the ‘Mission Christmas’ warehouse, ensuring presents reach children in time for Christmas.
Employees from Electronic Systems in Kent donated over 30 shoe boxes of gifts to Medway based homelessness charity, Street Angels.
Colleagues in Lancashire and Kent support Blesma's hamper appeal for veterans; supplying festive treats to those who might be struggling this Christmas.
Head Office colleagues spend an afternoon cooking fresh, warm meals for those experiencing homelessness in central London.
Lewis, David, Ross and Stephen lend a hand at decorating a new community food larder in Glasgow.
First-year Apprentice, Robyn, coordinates food donations in support of three local charities in Lancashire.
Funding a Christmas event for 50 care home residents in Fife; many of whom haven’t seen each other since before the pandemic.
The stark reality is that the West of Scotland is one of the most disadvantaged regions in Europe, and many local families are struggling with the cost of living. Helping support the most vulnerable in our community is my way of giving back and making a meaningful difference.Colin, Naval Architecture Engineer, BAE Systems
From a naval architect to a real-life Father Christmas
For many families, waking up to presents on Christmas morning is sadly a luxury they just can’t afford. Through our back-pack appeal in Cumbria and toy appeals across our sites in Lancashire and Scotland we’re working with local charities to help bring Christmas cheer to children whose families are struggling to provide presents.
But, the gifts won’t get there by themselves…
Colin, a Naval Architecture Engineer in our Naval Ships business, has taken on the role of a real-life Father Christmas donating two weeks of his time to volunteer at the ‘Mission Christmas’ warehouse in Glasgow. His role will see him sorting, distrubuting and ensuring the delivery of thousands of gifts to children across the West of Scotland, just in time for Christmas morning.
Through our big and small actions, alongside the skill and passion of our talented people, we’re committed to making a difference for the communities local to us, because collectively our actions can generate a real and positive impact for those who need it most.