In this most difficult year, I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone for supporting the work of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.
At times like this it is all too easy to become inward looking and focus solely on self, family and close friends. However, the demands placed on the charity and the Army community – many of whom will be serving away from home over the Christmas period – have not gone away.
You have shown that none of this has been forgotten and I would like to thank – and applaud – all those who have (again) sustained their support throughout this extraordinary year. With your assistance, since 1st April 2020 and throughout the pandemic, the charity has continued to deliver one of the most substantial grants programmes in the sector, delivering in excess of £4m in grants to the Army family in need.
This includes supporting over 2,000 individuals with grants amounting to over £1.8m – some of whom have been affected either directly or indirectly by COVID-19 – and by committing in excess of £2.2m to some 30 other charities and organisations that provide vital support the Army family. All this at a time when other major grant-giving organisations or trusts are closing or reducing their programmes. We truly could not do this without you, our supporters.
May I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
General Sir James Everard
President, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity