A display of WWII-themed gift hamper items arranged on a table with a Union Jack tablecloth. The items include a cardboard box with a Red Cross label, a bag of sliced bread, a paper bag labeled Liberation Tea, tins of cream and other foods, a carton of Guernsey milk, and small packaged goods. Straw packing material is scattered around the items, and black-and-white historical photos lie on the table, suggesting a wartime or Liberation Day commemorative theme.
Pictured: The hampers are designed to mirror the iconic Red Cross parcels delivered by the SS Vega in 1945.

Guernsey’s ‘wartime generation’ will be getting an extra taste of victory this Liberation Day, as the donated hampers initiative returns for another year. 

2026’s initiative has been sponsored by the St Peter Port Constables, and will see 500 hampers gifted to anyone who was in Guernsey for the occupation, and for those either evacuated or deported during World War 2. 

They’ll contain a whole host of tasty treats including Guernsey Gâche, scones, orange cake, tea, jam, and products from the Guernsey Dairy. 

There’ll also be fruit from the Co-op, and a traditional ration card.

​To qualify for an individual hamper, residents must be aged 80 or over and living in private accommodation or with family, with a separate scheme taking place for those residing in care homes or attending Age Concern groups.

Deputy Andy Cameron, the Vice-President and Liberation Day Lead for the Committee for Education, Sport and Culture, said: “Liberation Day is a community effort, and initiatives like this show the power of local organisations coming together. 

“St Peter Port Constables’ support helps us extend the celebrations beyond island-wide events and into people’s homes, ensuring the spirit of the day is shared across the island.”

Diane Mitchell, Senior Constable for St Peter Port Douzaine, added: “We are thrilled to support the Guernsey hampers as we remember a key part of our island’s history.

“Personally, my family – like so many others on the island – were serving, evacuated or living here during those five long years, and so we can absolutely understand how much these hampers mean to the recipients, some of whom are in their late 90’s.

“We look forward to meeting some of the island residents and hearing tales of the Occupation and evacuation and hope they enjoy the hampers.”

Pictured (l-r): Sue Aldwell, Project Manager for St Peter Port Douzaine, Andrew Tabel, Operations Director at Guernsey Dairy, Deputy Andy Cameron, Vice President for the Committee for Education, Sport & Culture and Liberation Day Lead, and Diane Mitchell, Senior Constable, St Peter Port Douzaine.

The initiative is limited to one hamper per person, and registration is open for another two weeks, until Thursday 30 April. 

It can be completed online, by contacting the States team through email, or on the phone via 223552. 

The ​hampers must be collected from Beau Sejour on Saturday 9 May between 08:30 and 11:00, and recipients or their carers have to bring their identification, such as a driving licence or passport, for both themselves and the person receiving the gift.