Pack a picnic to help raise cash for for veterans charity
Erskine to host virtual event to mark Armed Forces Day
Renfrewshire families are being urged to pack their sandwiches and hunt out their blankets as Erskine Charity launches the Big Picnic.
A month- long fundraising campaign, the Big Picnic is urging people across the local authority area to serve up their own outdoor menu throughout June to raise cash for the lifeline charity.
It will culminate in Erskine’s first-ever Big Picnic - a star-studded virtual event held to mark National Armed Forces Day on June 26.
Hosted by Elaine C Smith, it will feature an impressive line up and will include a performance by Britain’s Got Talent magician Andrew Lee.
He will be joined by Royal Marines Forces Sweetheart, Kirsten Orsborn, while Scottish musician Gary Innes will also will regale the audience with a trademark performance.
Erskine residents Netta Clucas, 89, and Jean McLearie, 95, soaked up the summer sun and tucked into their afternoon tea as the veteran’s charity launched the campaign this week.
The pair were joined by Afghanistan veteran Sheldon Hunt, 34, who has been living on the Erskine estate for seven years, after serving in The Royal Regiment of Scotland as a Private.
Sara Bannerman, Erskine’s head of fundraising, said: “We are extremely excited to host our very first Virtual Erskine Big Picnic, and are delighted to welcome a host of top- quality guests, including Elaine C Smith and Kirsten Orsborn.
“We hope everyone will join us in hosting their own big picnic with family and friends, all while raising money for such a great cause.”
The virtual event will be held online and on the Erskine Facebook page, so people can watch from the comfort of their own garden or home regardless of the weather.
A number of special guests, including Erskine’s latest ambassador Scott Meenagh, will also make an appearance, and lots of prizes will be up for grabs in a silent auction full of magnificent prizes.
People can claim their own free Erskine Big Picnic Pack – with Armed Forces Day flags, goodies, recipe ideas, and Erskine memorabilia by logging on to erskine. org. uk/ request- a- bigpicnic-pack/
Erskine relies on community fundraisers to provide the money needed to operate its four nursing and residential homes, as well as its many programmes aimed at helping younger veterans settle into civilian life.
We hope everyone will join is in hostin their own big picnic with family and friends