Debenhams Exeter ramps up support for Help for Heroes

Debenhams Exeter is pledging its support for our military heroes and veterans by partnering with Help for Heroes for the fourth year in the row.

Ahead of this year’s National Collection Weekend – Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 March – Debenhams stores across the UK will be helping to raise as much money as possible for the charity that works to support wounded, injured and sick British servicemen, women and their families.

The Exeter store, along with other Debenhams stores across the UK, have collectively contributed more than £1.3m and are aiming to make 2017 its biggest year yet.

Throughout the weekend, volunteers from Help for Heroes will be in stores to collect voluntary donations and help educate customers on the need to support of brave men and women who are serving or have served in our armed forces.

Debenhams’ in-store restaurants will also be doing their part by holding a ‘Bake for Heroes’ event across the weekend – 50% of all sales from freshly made pastries, such as almond croissants, raspberry twists and pecan plaits, will be donated to the charity.

The charity has estimated that of more than 220,000 individuals deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, up to 75,000 will need to turn to Help for Heroes for support in the future.

Debenhams Exeter will also be stocking an exclusive range of four men’s T-shirts, which have been specially designed by the menswear team in collaboration with the Help For Heroes Band of Brothers who are ambassadors of the charity. The t-shirts are priced at £20 and the retailer will donate all profits from the sale of each item to Help for Heroes.

Marcus Harrison, Debenhams store manager, commented: “Supporting our men and women who have served in uniform is a noble cause which we’re proud to continue to support.

“2017 is the fourth consecutive year we at Debenhams Exeter have been behind this cause and across the National Collection Weekend and March, we will have lots going on to help fundraise as much as possible.”

A spokesperson for Help for Heroes, added: “The support and commitment shown by Debenhams is vital in helping us continue to do our work and care for active and former servicemen and women and their families.

On behalf of all those that benefit from our services, I’d like to extend another warm thank you to all colleagues and customers that give what they can, whenever they can. Knowing that the British people are behind our troops even when they leave uniform can make all the difference.”

All monies contributed by Debenhams Exeter and others across the country are administered by The Debenhams Foundation, in order to give clear visibility of the money raised and the causes which benefit. Founded in 2012, The Debenhams Foundation supports three main charity partners throughout the year; Help for Heroes, Breast Cancer Now and BBC Children in Need.