Ordinary people doing extraordinary things need to be recognised and rewarded. And no one more so than those risking their lives on our behalf.

Which is why FarSide Marketing is proud to be supporting the outstanding work done by the ‘Help for Heroes' campaign.

Help for Heroes raises money to support members of our armed forces who have been wounded in the service of their country. They encourage everyone to do their bit to show these extraordinary young men and women that we care for them.

In fact, FarSide Marketing already has a good deal of experience in providing help and support to our armed forces overseas. Back in 2004, we founded the 21st century Christmas Box for military personnel who were serving overseas and away from their loved ones over Christmas. Working with the MoD, we sent over 18,000 Christmas Boxes to our armed forces around the world.

One soldier wrote back, "You have made a difficult time better for a lot of people". At the time, a spokesman for the MOD's Defence Catering Group said, "I have no doubt that the thousands of military personnel serving in operations across the world will enjoy the gift box."

The concept of Christmas Boxes, although reintroduced and initially funded by us at FarSide Marketing, is not a new one. The first one was produced back in 1914, at the request of King George V's daughter Princess Mary. It was designed as a ‘Gift from the nation’ and contained cigarettes, tobacco and bullet pencils.

The modern day equivalent is the same size as the 24-hour ration pack and contains over 20 items from delicious snacks to much-appreciated toiletries and novelty items. It's now so well anticipated, it's referred to as the `Square Stocking'!

Back in 2005, Stephen Briggs, FarSide's managing director was instrumental in setting up a charity (UK4U Thanks) to handle all finances and sponsors of the Christmas Box. After four consecutive years of sourcing and fulfilling this particular project, building on the success of each previous one, we've handed over the baton to someone else.

For the future, we are delighted to be working with `Help For Heroes'. For our initial commitment to the charity we will be donating a percentage of every Hexamine Cooker and Refill purchased from our www.shoponthefarside.co.uk site. But that's only a taster of what we can do! Over the coming months, we'll be exploring many other ways we can help our brave men and women. So why not find out more about our valuable work today or contact us with any help or support you or your company can give.

Thank you.

Far-Side Marketing Ltd Lacey House High Street Lavendon Buckinghamshire MK46 4HA Tel:    +44 (0)1234 240 888 Fax:   +44 (0)1234 710 650 Website: www.farsm.com  Email:     sjbriggs@farsm.com  Contact:  Mr S J Briggs (Managing Director)