>>The third of three features on the trade’s welfare charity
The grocery industry’s charity, Caravan, is a vital lifeline for many pensioners - not only does it help financially but it also gives practical support and a point of contact.
Widow Mary Jones is now 82 years old and is one beneficiary who is extremely grateful for Caravan’s existence.
To top up her basic pension, Caravan gives Mary, and 1,300 others like her, £674 a year.
“I think Caravan is a wonderful charity. It makes such a big difference when you know you have got that little bit extra money - it would be a tight fit without it.
“You always know there is someone there to help if you run into any sort of difficulty.
“I like getting the quarterly newsletter through and I’ll get a Christmas card and birthday card too.”
Mary began working with International Stores in 1939 and held various positions, from shop assistant to administration clerk, until she retired in 1983. It was through work that she met her husband, Stanley, who was with the chain for more than 50 years. International put Mary in touch with Caravan
when Stanley died 15 years ago. “The money I get from Caravan is a great help and they step in at other times to help with lots of little things.
“When my freezer packed up they gave me money towards a new one, which I would have struggled to get myself. Last year my very dodgy old television was on in the background when I got a visit from my welfare officer - within two days Caravan got me a new one.”
As well as day-to-day living, Mary tries to save as much of her Caravan money as possible so that she can take her annual holiday with friends.
“I love Scotland and go there every year - without Caravan this would be impossible.”
mary jones, beneficiary
The grocery industry’s charity, Caravan, is a vital lifeline for many pensioners - not only does it help financially but it also gives practical support and a point of contact.
Widow Mary Jones is now 82 years old and is one beneficiary who is extremely grateful for Caravan’s existence.
To top up her basic pension, Caravan gives Mary, and 1,300 others like her, £674 a year.
“I think Caravan is a wonderful charity. It makes such a big difference when you know you have got that little bit extra money - it would be a tight fit without it.
“You always know there is someone there to help if you run into any sort of difficulty.
“I like getting the quarterly newsletter through and I’ll get a Christmas card and birthday card too.”
Mary began working with International Stores in 1939 and held various positions, from shop assistant to administration clerk, until she retired in 1983. It was through work that she met her husband, Stanley, who was with the chain for more than 50 years. International put Mary in touch with Caravan
when Stanley died 15 years ago. “The money I get from Caravan is a great help and they step in at other times to help with lots of little things.
“When my freezer packed up they gave me money towards a new one, which I would have struggled to get myself. Last year my very dodgy old television was on in the background when I got a visit from my welfare officer - within two days Caravan got me a new one.”
As well as day-to-day living, Mary tries to save as much of her Caravan money as possible so that she can take her annual holiday with friends.
“I love Scotland and go there every year - without Caravan this would be impossible.”
mary jones, beneficiary
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