UK DOCKS’ staff have delivered a van full of help to the North East’s Veterans In Crisis, Sunderland (VICS), for Christmas.
Operations manager, Nick Elliott, general manager, Kevin Hodgson, contracts manager, Shawn Doering and office manager, Emma Bryson, dropped off box after box of food and essential items at the VICS base in Roker Avenue rom the company’s annual Christmas collection.
And Veterans director, Ger Fowler, who helped a UK Docks’ team unload the gifts, issued a reminder that there’s still scope for further donations from the public, organisations, and companies during the festive season.
Veterans in Crisis' Ger Fowler, (left), with UK Docks' Emma Bryson, Nick Elliott and Kevin Hodgson at the donation drop-off.
Ger said: “We’re very grateful to UK Docks for all their help and support.
“They’ve supported us for several years now, and their donations always go a long way and make a difference.
“This is one of the toughest times of year for ex-service personnel who are struggling, and any help we can receive is always welcome and appreciated.
“So I would remind people in the North East that we’re still open for any donations they can make in these last few days before Christmas and across the festive season and into the New Year.”
This is the third year in a row that UK Docks has made Veterans in Crisis its charity of choice.
The UK Docks’ Christmas tree with an increasing number of donations ready to hand over.
UK Docks services a number of Ministry of Defence contracts and has a long history of employing ex-service personnel.
Earlier this year, UK Docks received a Gold Award under the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), which recognises the highest standards of support for former military personnel.
Managing director, Jonathan Wilson, said: “UK Docks has built much of its success over the past 30 years on the contributions of former members of the armed forces, and we appreciate the qualities and skills they bring to our company.”
“Veterans in Crisis is a cause close to the heart of many people at the company who have taken the skills they learned in the forces and put them to good use after returning to civilian life.
“Others have not been so fortunate and need a helping hand, which is what Veterans In Crisis has done so well in recent years.
“Every day, they act as an emergency service for people who have given so much for their country and now need help in return.”
Veterans in Crisis director Ger Fowler, (second left), with UK Docks general manager, Kevin Hodgson, operations manager, Nick Elliott and office manager Emma Bryson.
Former serviceman Ger Fowler, who founded the community interest company in 2017 and won the Freedom of the City of Sunderland for his efforts, said: “It was great to see the boxes from UK Docks filling up our offices - though it was also a reminder of why we are looking to expand our premises in Roker Avenue in 2026!”
“A community interest company like Veterans In Crisis is very reliant on donations of support and the generosity of others.
“It all gets used to help others, and it can make such a difference, I think, especially at this time.
“Contributions from local companies help to make that possible, and at Veterans, we always look to use local companies so that money goes back into the community.”
Anyone who would like to support Veterans In Crisis or needs help should contact general manager Claire Lawton by dropping into the centre at 1 Roker Avenue in Sunderland or by calling (0191) 567 1878.
Veterans’ services can also be reached on 07398 916 590.