RAF St Mawgan personnel rallied together last week to shine a spotlight on Newquay Foodbank, hosting a lively prize bingo night to boost awareness ahead of a major fundraising challenge taking place in March.
On Thursday 5 February, service personnel, civil servants, local supporters and representatives from Newquay Foodbank joined together in the Atlantic Club for an evening of bingo, community spirit and generous prize‑giving. Donations from businesses across Cornwall, including a cream tea at the Headland Hotel, a family ticket to Lappa Valley, and a back and shoulder massage, helped make the night a memorable success.
The event marked the countdown to a demanding three‑day charity walk on 17–19 March, during which a small team of RAF St Mawgan personnel will cover more than 20 miles a day across Cornwall. The route will take them on day 1 from RAF St Mawgan via Newquay to Threemilestone, on day 2 onto Penryn, Redruth, Camborne and on day 3 back to Newquay and finally returning to RAF St Mawgan. Their aim is to raise vital funds and awareness for Newquay Foodbank, whose work extends far beyond providing food parcels. The charity offers guidance, signposting and compassionate support to people across the region, including Cornwall’s significant veteran community.
Our people live and work in communities across Cornwall, and supporting Newquay Foodbank is one way we can stand alongside those who may need help. The bingo night showed just how much goodwill there is, and the March walk will continue that momentum. We are proud to play a part.
Wing Commander Helen Simpson, RAF St Mawgan Station Commander.
Many RAF St Mawgan personnel live in towns and villages throughout Cornwall, and the station’s partnership with Newquay Foodbank reflects a shared commitment to supporting neighbours who may one day need help.
The use of foodbanks has and is rising dramatically, with people working full time also requiring support which highlights the cost-of-living crisis. Our RAF St Mawgan family is dispersed throughout the County, so our 5-year plan is to cover the whole of Cornwall raising funds, dropping off donations on route but more importantly spreading awareness.
Warrant Officer Riddle, RAF St Mawgan Community Support Officer.
With demand for foodbank services continuing to rise, every contribution counts. The bingo night brought the community together with purpose and set the tone for the challenge still to come in March.
