The Easter Bunny Visits Regiment Soldiers
Soldiers will get a little ‘egg-stra’ in their rations tomorrow [April 11] after a pharmacy chain donated 200 Easter treats to the Royal Bermuda Regiment soldiers who will spend the holiday on duty.
The Phoenix Stores pharmacy chain gave 200 chocolate Easter eggs to the Regiment to give them a small taste of home while they are separated from friends and family.
Pte Kianna Bremar and C/Sgt Runecko Edwards load Cadbury Easter eggs donated to the RBR by The Phoenix Stores
George Grundmuller, the president & CEO of The Phoenix Stores, said: “We understand Easter will not be the same this year with the community encouraged to stay home in compliance with the Shelter In Place issued by the Government of Bermuda.
“Hence, we opted to bring Easter cheer to frontline workers as a small token of our appreciation for their commitment to the safety of our island.”
Colour Sergeant Runecko Edwards, 37, from Paget, and Private Kianna Bremar , 23, of Southampton, turned Easter bunnies to collect the eggs in Hamilton and transport them back to Warwick Camp.
C/Sgt Edwards, a mason with the Department of Works & Engineering, said: “The Regimental Sergeant Major came to me and asked me to make a run for them.”
The RBR’s team of chefs take custody of Easter eggs donated by The Phoenix Stores to soldiers who will work over the holiday weekend. Colour Sergeant John Lema, Private Asiyah James, Private Leon Ford, Private Lubin Sousa, Private Shawn Burgess, Corporal Sarena Zuill & Private Royale O’Mara
He admitted: “I was surprised – we’ve had some odd jobs over the last few days, but that was new one on me. I thought we would be giving them to children or something.”
C/Sgt Edwards said: “Everyone in camp was laughing when I told them they were for us – they were really pleased.”
He added: “The eggs will be a touch of home and a morale booster.”
Pte Bremar, an RBR medic and an airport security officer in civilian life, said: “Not everyone knows about the eggs yet, but those that do are pretty excited that they will get an Easter egg after all.
“It’s a holiday, but we’re still going to be working, so they’re very grateful they’ll have that.”
Pte Bremar, who monitors the health of troops on a daily basis, added: “It’s definitely bringing a touch of home to Warwick Camp.”
She said: “I’m doing pretty good – I’ve made phone calls to my family in my down time, which makes it easier. But the job comes first. I’m protecting everyone, including my own family and that’s an enormous source of satisfaction.”
RBR Adjutant Major Duncan Simons added: “We are all working very long days, and most will not be going home over this period. It means a lot to our soldiers when the public show their appreciation for what we do. “
The donation was organised with help from the Royal Bermuda Regiment Association, just set up to keep former soldiers in touch with each other and promote the welfare of soldiers.
Peter Aldrich, vice-president of the RBRA, said: “The association is very happy to have played a small part in this very generous and thoughtful gesture,”
Two Phoenix Stores will remain open on Easter Sunday hours: Warwick Pharmacy 9am – 5pm; Collector’s Hill Apothecary 11am – 7pm.
- Photos courtesy of Andre Place, RBR
I’m sure the eggs were greatly appreciated. Just wondering why social distancing is not being adhered to???
As they have all been together for more than two weeks….Also, not sure how a kitchen can operate with social distancing, less a mess hall. You would be best to complain about all the dimwits still driving around visiting friends and having face to face chats instead of staying home and using the telephone or a laptop to “chat”.
Because it isn’t real, these laws only apply to regular people. Wake up people!