Seventy-five years ago, on December 24th, supporters of this charity were invited to help at its Christmas Party. We were still known as the Embankment Fellowship Centre (EFC) in those days and the invitation was a typed on a single sheet of paper – but the ethos that has underpinned everything we do is unchanged.
Every year Veterans Aid celebrates Christmas at its New Belvedere House hostel. A tree appears in the foyer, tins of sweets or chocolates are scattered around the office and residents lounge, and gifts start arriving from supporters.
On Christmas morning every resident will find that ‘Santa’ has called and left a gift outside his room – because nobody in our care is forgotten.
NBH is a home, not a holding pen; those who will be there on Christmas Day 2013 will share a festive dinner, donated by a supporter, served by staff and consumed with much humour.
Some things have changed in this charity’s 82 year history, but celebrating Christmas has been a constant.
