Launchpad veterans receive Christmas boost thanks to Oktoberfest

Lucky veterans at Launchpad residences in the North East have received a Christmas boost, thanks to money raised at the Ryder Oktoberfest event.

Launchpad invited staff from Hydrock and Ryder to see at first-hand the support the charity provides to veterans who have struggled to cope with the transition from military to civilian life.

Veterans were excited to be given gifts by the visitors. This was followed by a Christmas buffet and full dinner with fun activities included.

Phil Thompson, Manager at Launchpad’s Avondale and Hollyacre Houses shared:

We are very grateful to Hydrock for nominating Launchpad as their chosen charity at the Ryder Oktoberfest event and for us to benefit from some of the proceeds that were raised.

It’s been great to be able to give them a tour of the house and explain how we support our veterans but also for them to meet staff and some of the veterans themselves who have benefited from their generous donation.

As a charity, we rely on personal and corporate donations so to receive a cheque for £3,333 is amazing and means so much to us. Christmas is a difficult time for a lot of our residents, especially those with families, so we wanted to brighten their Christmas by organising some gifts and treated the residents living at both houses to a buffet, a full Christmas dinner and some activities that they could all participate in.

In its sixth year, the Oktoevent at Brinkburn Street Brewery saw guests enjoying an evening filled with traditional German food and drink. Plus live music provided by local band, Groovetrain.

Charitable funds were raised with guests participating in a raffle and silent auction. As always the event was a huge success and raised over £50,000 for various charities.

Chris Chennell, Regional Director,  North East at Hydrock, also shared:

Hydrock was proud to sponsor the Ryder Oktoberfest, an event that raises significant funds for local charities.

Our choice to support Launchpad, a charity that helps transition veterans into civilian life, has significant meaning to our colleagues who are proud members of the ex-forces community.

A fantastic £10,000 was raised for three great charities so it is nice to have the opportunity to visit Avondale House and meet the staff and residents but also hand out some Christmas presents.

Avondale House comprises 33 self-contained one-bedroom flats for former serving personnel and their partners. Launchpad has three houses in the North of England in Newcastle, Liverpool and Durham providing accommodation for 101 homeless veterans – accepting veterans from all over the UK.