Issued by City of York Council
City of York Council is backing a campaign to make sure that servicemen and women are given the warmest of welcomes in York with the support of local businesses across the city.
The scheme, which is to be relaunched on 27 June with the support of ‘Heroes welcome in the UK’, will see a renewed call to local businesses across the city to show their support for British Armed Forces personnel, their families and veterans.
Businesses will be invited to display a ‘Heroes Welcome’ window sticker to show that they are happy to offer a discount, a service upgrade or special acknowledgement to military personnel and the work that they do.
The initiative, which was first launched in Scarborough, has now been adopted in over 75 local authorities across the UK and the scheme is being championed in York by the Rt Hon the Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Julie Gunnell.
The Lord Mayor said: “As a garrison city, we want to officially recognise the courage of our servicemen and women and their families and the sacrifices that they make and this relaunch is aimed at reminding existing partners and inviting new businesses to make this commitment.
“York is a very welcoming city, which is why we are delighted to support the ‘Welcome the Heroes’ which will extend York’s traditionally warm welcome to all sections of the community as well as visitors.
“Relaunching this scheme prior to Armed Forces Day is well-timed as it aims to celebrate and commemorate the efforts and dedication of armed personnel with fun-filled activities in the city centre.”
Councillor Sonja Crisp, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism, said: “This relaunch, just ahead of Armed Forces Day, is beautifully timed to raise the profile and celebrate the work of our serving personnel and families. I urge all businesses to sign up to Heroes Welcome scheme and give these dedicated people an even warmer York welcome.”
Retailers and organisations can give as much or as little support to servicemen and women as they’re able, be it a discount, or simply an extra friendly smile. There is no cost involved in signing up to the initiative.
The York scheme will be officially launched at the Mansion House on 27 June, when the Lord Mayor will meet John Senior, the Heroes Welcome co-ordinator to officially launch the scheme before the Armed Forces Day celebrations on Sunday 30June.
Organisations interested in committing to the scheme should email Heroes Welcome or call Penny Chaplin on 01904 552271.
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