Veterans garage

The Veterans’ Garage in Eccles has launched a fundraiser to help repair water and structural damage.

The charity was set up in 2016 by a group of ex-armed forces members to assist veterans by hosting a social hub with activities and welfare support.

The thought that we are hanging by a thread to reopen hurts alot

-Craig Monaghan, Head of Programmes/Director at Veterans’ Garage

They’ve even persisted through the Covid pandemic, making an estimated 1,900 phone calls and over 300 food deliveries during the lockdown, along with providing counselling sessions remotely online for 150 people.

However, only days from opening and under constant battery from torrential wind and rain, their building has seen water damage and leakage.

Craig Monaghan, Head of Programmes / Director at Veterans’ Garage, said: “To put so much effort and investment into creating one of the biggest hubs in the north and be so close after a hard lockdown, treating our most vulnerable throughout lockdown.”

“Life-saving” veterans charity set to undergo major refurbishment in Eccles

All this after an extensive refurbishment effort which saw counselling suites added, as well as more social space with a pool table and arcade machine, as well as a brand new industrial kitchen and board room.

“It’s heartbreaking, and now the thought that we are hanging by a thread to reopen hurts a lot, Dan and Dave have put there heart and soul into this, as I and Tonicha have along with our staff and volunteers but not forgetting the hundreds who will be left in need should we shut.

“To be honest its just a lot to take in, such a rough few months followed by this. Words can’t really sum it up we are just devasted.”

If you would like to donate, please visit their JustGiving page here. At the time of writing, they’re 16% of the way there.

Barbara Keely, MP for Worsley & Eccles South, has also lended her support to the group.

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