A CHARITY working with ex-service veterans, in Callington, brought some cheer to those in need of help last Christmas, thanks to a £1,000 donation from Launceston-based housebuilder, Persimmon Homes Cornwall.

Battling On – Merryhue Farm distributed more than 240 food parcels to some of the most vulnerable in the community and received the donation as a result of applying to the Persimmon Homes Cornwall Community Champions scheme.

Janey Bryson of Battling On – Merryhue Farm said: “We are very grateful to Persimmon Homes for this money and it will give our fund raising efforts a real boost.  We appeal for donations from the local council, church groups, the Lions charity and other local businesses which pays for the food and gifts which make up our special parcels. We then work with ex service personnel in the area who give up their time to go out and deliver what will be something of a lifeline for many elderly people and struggling families.

“This year with living costs continuing to rise for a lot of people, we believe the need for our services will be even greater and this donation has made a big difference to our work.”

Jane Cartwright, sales director for Persimmon Homes Cornwall, added: “We are pleased to be able to make this donation. The work of ‘Battling On’ really is at the very heart of the local community and exactly what Community Champions was created for. Food and living expenses are undoubtedly rising and these gift parcels make a big difference for many people in our region.

“Regional charities, organisations and good causes are all welcome to apply to Community Champions and we encourage them all to have a go. It is very straightforward to apply online and they could easily find themselves being next month’s beneficiaries.”

Each month the Launceston-based builder donates up to £2,000 to community groups across the region. This also happens across Persimmon’s other 31 operating areas, meaning up to £64,000 is dished out every single month — a total of £768,000 a year.

For more information on Persimmon Homes Community Champions scheme and to apply visit www.persimmonhomes.com/charity