A group of fundraisers have been inspired to raise even more cash to send home comforts to troops on the front line in Afghanistan.
Wrexham Maelor Lions Club set up camp at the town’s Eagles Meadow shopping centre where they raised £460.
The first batch of morale boosting goodies were sent to the 1st Battalion Royal Welsh who’ve just returned home in time for Christmas after a six month tour of duty.
They who were operating from a far flung outpost in Helmand Province, as part of the peace keeping duty with the International Task Force.
The squaddies were patrolling in temperatures that soared up to 47 degrees celsius, often blinded by sandstorms blowing dust and grit.
The items sent by the Lions included greetings cards for soldiers to send home to their family and friends, Sudoku or crossword puzzle books, playing cards, paperback books, magazines, sweets, crisps, biscuits, and toiletries.
The treats helped make life more bearable and prompted letters of thanks from the troops which touched the Lions members and inspired them to carry on with their fund-raising.
Among those who wrote was Sergeant Sean Griffiths, Bravo Company, Ist Battalion Royal Welsh, who comes from Wrexham,
He said: “The soldiers at my command are extremely grateful and it gave me great pleasure to hand over the packages knowing they came from my home town.
“I love and miss Wrexham. A big thank you for your kindness as it makes a huge difference to us all.”
It was a sentiment echoed by his Commanding Officer, Major Owain Luke, who wrote, saying: “I was delighted to receive your welfare parcels.
“I am certain that the toiletries and the other items which you have provided will be put to immediate use, as the soldiers are on patrol at least twice a day, clambering in and out of ditches in temperatures of up to 47 degrees Celsius.”
“Life in the checkpoints can be quite claustrophobic and lonely so your parcels provide reassurance to my soldiers they have not been forgotten by the British public.
“We are all therefore very grateful to you and the members of your club for sending us these parcels.”
The next batch of goodies will be sent to the Mercian Regiment who are replacing the Ist Battalion Royal Welsh.
Joan Williams, President of Wrexham Maelor Lions Club, explained they had been first alerted to the soldiers’ needs by a plea by the Battalion’s Chaplain.
She said: “In April 2012 there was a printed request in the St Giles’ Church newsletter from the Chaplain to the First Battalion The Royal Welsh, serving in Afghanistan, for packets of ‘morale’ to put in a shoe box for serving soldiers.
“Wrexham Maelor Lions knew they could do better than a shoe box, so we set out and organised a shipment of goodies.
“We are now making arrangements for our second shipment of goodies to be shipped.
“The aim of Lions Clubs throughout the world is to help those less fortunate than ourselves or where there is need.
“We’re very grateful to Eagles Meadow for giving us such a wonderful spot at the shopping centre.We thank Mr Kevin Critchley, manager of the site, for his support.
“The regiment will be holding a parade in Wrexham on November 29, and we will most certainly be there to welcome them home.”
For more information on the Wrexham Maelor Lions Club email Joan Williams on [email protected] or ring on 0845 8335781.
