Bus staff help deliver treats for the troops

Published on Wednesday 9 December 2009 09:24

BUS drivers have played Santa Claus by delivering the first sackfuls of presents from our Christmas appeal to soldiers' families.

Staff at Lothian Buses loaded up a double-decker to take hundreds of your gifts to Dreghorn Barracks.

The teddies, toys and selection boxes will bring some extra cheer to youngsters facing "Christmas without daddy".

Stacks of Pot Noodles, wine gums and crisps – all requested by members of 1 Scots and 3 Rifles serving in Afghanistan – will be transported to the front line by the regiments over the coming weeks.

Captain Pete Borthwick, 1 Scots' chief welfare officer, said the troops were delighted with the public response to our Treat our Troops – and their kids appeal.

He said: "We're all incredibly grateful. Every year we join up with Parcels4Troops to send gifts to our men and women and gather presents for the children back at home, but this year we've had more donations than ever.

"It really cheers up the families left behind. While the kids still get excited at this time of year, the reality of not having your mum or dad with you bites on Christmas Day. The special gifts make a big difference."

The drivers at Lothian Buses wanted to get involved as soon as they heard about the appeal.

Managing director Ian Craig said: "Hundreds of Edinburgh's troops are facing a lonely and frightening Christmas in Afghanistan, and their families are without a father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter or partner. Rather than forget or ignore our soldiers we wanted to thank them for their indescribable bravery.

"This, in particular, is a cause close to the hearts of our city's bus drivers, many of whom used to be in the army or who have relatives who are fighting on behalf of their country."