Liberation Day hampers aim to be symbol of hope

Liberation Day hampers are to be distributed to hundreds of islanders in residential care homes.

The States of Guernsey said the design and contents of the hampers were inspired by Red Cross food parcels delivered during Occupation and after liberation in May 1945.

It is hoped the hampers, which contain Guernsey gâche, scones, fruit and traditional ration cards, honours the resilience of islanders and hope the parcels once brought to many.

About 800 islanders in residential homes will receive their hampers on 8 May and those participating in Age Concern groups are set to receive them during the week of Liberation Day, said the States.

Deputy Andy Cameron, Vice-President of the Committee for Education, Sport & Culture and Liberation Day lead, said: "Many of those receiving these special hampers experienced or remember the treats delivered by SS Vega in 1945.

"This initiative brings a lot of joy to islanders and we are pleased to be offering them again this year.

"There has been so much thought put into each detail in the hampers, and we thank all those involved in their creation, from the Guernsey Hamper Company to all the volunteers who will deliver them to the residents in May."

The States said information about individual hampers for islanders who remained in Guernsey during Occupation or were evacuated during World War Two, but do not reside in residential homes or visit Age Concern groups, will be released at the start of next month.

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