Gifting a wreath

We are inviting businesses, local groups and individuals to ‘Gift a Wreath’ to be laid by our blind veterans at local Remembrance events around the country this November.  

Remembrance is a special time of year for veterans, their families and those in active service. Every November, blind veterans, staff, and volunteers come together to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.  

On Remembrance Sunday, we support our veterans in making the journey to London to march past the Cenotaph but many veterans choose to mark the important occasion at events closer to home.  We therefore provide wreaths to these veterans so they too can play an active part in Remembrance and invite your support to help us make this possible.

A suggested donation of £200 will enable a blind veteran to take an active part in Remembrance in their local community. It will also ensure blind veterans are able to continue receiving our vital support to help them lead independent and fulfilling lives.

Those that gift a wreath will have their name added to the wreath and a tribute message will be added to the ‘Gift a Wreath’ page.

Organisations already signed up to gift a wreath this year explain what it means to them.

Tom Owen and Son

This will be the third year that Tom Owen and Son funeral directors have gifted a wreath for our blind veterans.

Kelly, from Tom Owen and Son, says:

“We’ve proudly participated in the Llandudno Remembrance Commemorations for many years and for the past two years I’ve had the honour of laying a wreath beside a blind veteran which is a profoundly enriching experience. Listening to their stories and seeing their strength fosters a connection between past and present generations and is a reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of preserving peace. 

 “It’s humbling and inspiring to be part of something so meaningful and emotional, particularly joining the blind veterans again who are always so welcoming.” 

Chateau Rhianfa

Chateau Rhianfa have been long standing supporters, having previously hosted fundraising events such as murder mystery nights and Christmas artisan fairs. As with Tom Owen and Son, this will be their third year gifting a wreath. Delyth from Chateau Rhianfa says:

“It was wonderful to hear what the experience meant to the veteran whose wreath we gifted. It's so important to us to play a part in ensuring the fallen are not forgotten and to support blind veterans in our community." 

HomeSmiths

Interior Design company, HomeSmiths, have signed up for a second year to ‘Gift a Wreath’ which will be laid in Rustington during the town’s Remembrance commemorations.  

Jacqui, director of HomeSmiths, said:

“We became involved with Blind Veterans UK after we were selected to complete the interior design element of their new Rustington Centre of Wellbeing. As a designer with a visual impairment, this was especially meaningful to me.

“The design process was adapted to ensure that the veterans involved in the consultation could understand the refurbishment plans. The presentations were more sensory, and we guided the veteran’s hands around the floor plans so they could get a sense of how they would navigate the new centre.

“I wanted to support the charity’s 'Gift a Wreath' campaign again this year as the charity is close to my heart in so many ways.”

Our ‘Gift a Wreath’ campaign is not only for businesses, individuals are also invited to gift a wreath. Hazel, who lives close to Rustington, has recently signed up. She says:

“I grew up in London during the Second World War and remember some bits quite vividly. My mother and her three sisters, who all lived with us, worked on assembly lines at a local munition factory and my brother would collect shrapnel after the raids.  

“We had an air raid shelter in our garden; I remember one night as we made our way to the shelter, my mum stopped and said, “Oh god look at that moon.” She knew that a bright moon meant a particularly heavy night of bombing. The next morning my brother found a large piece of shrapnel which he picked up, but it was still red hot and blistered his fingers.  

 “It was a strange time; I never have anything to say in praise of war but it was a happy house. I’m grateful to those who gave their lives then and those who serve in our Armed Forces now. Gifting a wreath is my way of saying thank you.”