War veterans at Westmeath received a delivery of Christmas spirit yesterday as the Bermuda Legion continued its drive to hand out hampers to the island’s heroes.

Major Warren Furbert, a member of the Bermuda Legion executive committee and soldier in the Royal Bermuda Regiment, said: “I have been in the Regiment for 30- plus years, and to help persons that have served, been to war, and even the spouses of those persons who have fought for our freedom, it’s excellent.

“It’s a good feeling. I am always happy to do so.”

He noted that this year the Legion is aiming to distribute holiday hampers to more than 100 of the island’s veterans and widows — almost double the number of people who were assisted in last year’s campaign.

“Last year we were able to donate to 66 seniors who have ties with the war vets,” Major Furbert said. “This year we have upped that significantly. We went from 66 to 104 this year.

“We have been delivering gift baskets this week throughout the island. We are now on the last bit, and we’re hoping to deliver the last this week and certainly before Christmas.

“The response has been just excellent. We found with Remembrance Day fundraising period, we managed to top our previous fundraising efforts. This year I believe we broke the $20,000 mark and donations are still slowly coming in. We are hoping to set a new standard and move forward for years to come.”

The campaign has also drawn the support of the corporate community. For the fourth year, the PwC Staff Donation Committee has stepped forward to help with the effort, donating $2,000 towards the cost of the hampers. Representatives from PwC’s “Team Santa” joined the Legion at yesterday’s presentation to personally thank the veterans and widows for their sacrifices.

•Anyone wishing to get involved is asked to contact the Legion at nosoldierleftbehind@hotmail.com or 293-3975.