Sunbelt Rentals UK & Ireland is launching Wreaths Across Great Britain throughout December, a new remembrance initiative created to honour veterans resting in Commonwealth war graves.
The equipment rentals company says the project is inspired by Wreaths Across America and Canada and brings together remembrance, rehabilitation and community volunteering.
This December more than 300 handmade wreaths will be laid at cemeteries in Greenock, Dundee and Scottish Veterans Residences sites for former servicemen and women who have no family to remember them.
In partnership with Forest with Impact, every wreath has been crafted by people in custody, including veterans, at HMP Haverigg, creating a meaningful connection between service, rehabilitation and social sustainability.
The initiative is underpinned by a powerful belief that you lose someone twice, the first when someone passes and the second when their name is spoken for the last time. By laying a wreath and saying each name aloud, Sunbelt Rentals colleagues and community volunteers ensure these veterans are never forgotten.
The teams from Sunbelt Rentals undertook a meaningful initiative where they collected the hand-made wreaths from HMP Haverigg. These wreaths were then carefully transported to various local depots located in Scotland. The final leg of this journey took place on the 3rd of December when the wreaths were brought to the cemeteries to honour those who have served. On that day, volunteers from across the entire company came together at each of the sites to participate in a ceremony by placing the wreaths, reading aloud the names of the individuals being honoured and paying their respects.
Wreaths Across Great Britian forms part of Sunbelt Rentals wider commitment to the veteran community. The business employs around 2,000 veterans globally and holds the MOD Gold Armed Forces Covenant Award. Through its 4Rs Programme, Sunbelt Rentals continues to support serving personnel, veterans and their families with resources, recognition, retention and recruitment opportunities.
Sarah MacGregor, head of social sustainability at Sunbelt Rentals: “Our Veterans Programme was built by veterans for veterans and projects like Wreaths Across Great Britian reflects what that community stands for. We recognise the commitment and service of those who have served and we’re proud to honour them with respect. This programme brings together remembrance, rehabilitation and community in a way that stays true to our values and our promise to support veterans throughout their journey with us.”
