EYG makes “special” donation to Hull veterans charity

4th January 2023

EYG has donated doors for a drop-in centre for Hull veterans through the Hull 4 Heroes charity.

Paul Matson, founder of the veterans charity which is seeking to construct a Veterans Village in East Yorkshire, has thanked EYG for their “special” help in donating aluminium patio doors and a glass internal office door, which he said has saved the charity thousands of pounds.

The doors are for the new office and drop-in centre at Princes Quay shopping centre in Hull city centre, which opened over the festive period.

Paul, who was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the 2023 New Year’s Honours for his work with veterans, said: “We are creating a training room inside the drop-in centre and the donated patio doors and glass door have been installed in there.

"Doors are spectacular"

“The patio doors in particular look spectacular and this donation has saved the charity thousands of pounds so this will help us immensely, as well as making the place look great and keep warm, which is great at this time of the year.

“It is a very special thing what EYG have done.”

Paul, a former veteran who was left homeless after leaving the Army, is now a successful businessman who was moved to helping others after experiencing firsthand the difficulties in leaving the Army. He founded the charity in 2016 and it continues to grow and flourish.

The charity has now opened the drop-in centre as a warm place for veterans in the city and surrounding area to meet and chat, providing company and warmth and shelter, which Paul said is especially crucial at this time of the year and during the current cost of living crisis.

He said: “It is for the veterans in the community to get together in one place, as opposed to us running events all over the city.

“They can come and get together here for a coffee and a chat and we can help with any problems, it’s just about getting people in the community together. They will be able to stay all day if they want, and keep warm as well.

“We opened over the Christmas period to help Hull veterans who were struggling with social isolation, or who wanted to pop in just for a few hours to save on their own heating.

“It really has been a hit, and the doors have made a massive difference and will continue to do so.”

Veterans Village plans

The veterans village will be a dedicated facility in Cottingham which is expected to be completed by 2024. It will house veterans and their families in 48 purpose-built properties, off Priory Road, in Cottingham.

The project has already passed planning laws and the charity is currently fundraising for the project.

Small businesses are being asked to donate £500 and in return they receive their logo and details included in a welcome pack given to the veteran when they move in, and be included in a mural on one of the walls of the house.

The Hull 4 Heroes charity has also opened a food bank, in addition to the drop-in centre.

Paul said it was a “fantastic honour” to receive the BEM, and told Hull Live that it was also “brilliant for the charity” and thanked his team for all of their help.

EYG’s Managing Director Nick Ward said of the donation: “We were delighted to have been able to help Paul and the charity. I’ve been following the progress of Hull 4 Heroes and been so impressed with what Paul has achieved, and it’s really nice to be able to offer our support to Paul and Hull veterans. We wish them every success with the drop-in centre and Veterans Village.”

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