FEBRUARY UPDATE FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Mercifully, the February weather was kind when we joined HRH the Duke of Kent and the Lord Mayor of London as they unveiled a themed garden in Guildhall Yard, inspired by the themes of loss, unity and hope, to support the Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch.
Since its inception in 2008, the Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch has raised over £2.85 million for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity and the RAF Benevolent Fund. We would be delighted if you were able to join us at this year’s lunch at Guildhall, London, on Thursday 30th March 2023.
That aside, this issue contains information about how we are helping vulnerable veterans to live independently and avoid financial hardship. Our recent funding of Stoll enables the charity to provide a range of housing and other services to vulnerable and disabled veterans at its various housing schemes and sites in West London and Aldershot.
My sincere thanks as ever for your continued support; I hope you enjoy this latest issue of The Debrief.
IMPACT: HELPING VULNERABLE ARMY VETERANS
Our whole person, whole life approach ensures we support people through all of life’s challenges.
One of our key areas of support is ensuring the provision of suitable housing. We were delighted to award recently a £46,952 grant to Stoll, to enable vulnerable veterans to live independently and avoid financial hardship and homelessness.
Our grant will go towards the costs of the charity’s Community Support Officers and a Veteran Support Worker, for 12 months. The team will provide counselling to around 270 veterans and their dependents about debt, substance abuse, and health and wellbeing issues.
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF KENT UNVEILS THEMED GARDEN AT GUILDHALL FOR ANNUAL CURRY LUNCH
This month, HRH the Duke of Kent unveiled the Veterans’ Garden in Guildhall Yard, London, to support The Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch, which takes place at Guildhall on Thursday 30th March. The garden launch was hosted by The Lord Mayor and The Lady Mayoress.
This year’s garden, inspired by the themes of loss, unity and hope was designed by Gianna Utilini on behalf of The Worshipful Company of Gardeners, with the help of the Guild of Freemen, both of which support the Lunch each year and use the craft of gardening to provide therapeutic help to injured service personnel.
If you would like to join us at the Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch, which includes unlimited curry, with beer and wine available, you can book your ticket here.
GENERAL TALK PODCAST: IN CONVERSATION WITH OUR CHARITY’S CHIEF EXECUTIVE, TIM HYAMS
Speaking in our latest podcast, our Chief Executive, Tim Hyams, talks about the challenges facing our charity and the changing nature of the British Army.
Tim says that, after retiring from the Army, joining our charity was the next logical step, to “give a little bit back to the people that really matter: the soldiers, and to continue to do my bit to look after them.”
MARATHON SEASON IS COMING – GET READY TO RUN FOR THE ARMY FAMILY
Spring is almost here, which means it is time to get training for one of the biggest running events of the year: the London Marathon. Whether you already have a ballot place, or would like to apply for a charity place, we would be delighted to have you on our team.
Join our Fundraising Army today to experience the ultimate team spirit and help us raise vital funds for soldiers, veterans and their families. Sign up today.