JANUARY UPDATE FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Reflecting on the start of 2023 and the prevailing economic conditions, it has been cheering to see the impact of support we have been able to provide during what is a difficult time for so many.
The Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League is just one example of a great charity we are proud to support; you can find more on that support in this edition of The Debrief.
Others include Royal Star & Garter, which has used our recent £100,000 grant to enrich the lives of its residents; many of whom have serious conditions such as dementia, and require individually tailored specialist care.
The continuing need for our Charity’s work is a key motivating factor for our newly appointed Chairman, Simon Heale, who I am delighted to welcome to the role and with whom we very much look forward to working. Simon, an existing trustee, succeeds Lt Gen Philip Jones CB CBE DL, to whom we owe a huge debt of gratitude for his significant contribution as Chairman since 2016.
None of our support for the Army family would be possible without our fantastic supporters. In this edition (and on our website) there is more information on the range of exciting initiatives with which you can get involved. As ever, thank you so much for your continued support.
IMPACT: HELPING COMMONWEATH ARMY VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES
We were delighted to award a £200,000 grant to the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League to ensure that vulnerable veterans, widows and their families can enjoy a healthy diet and stay out of poverty.
Our donation will help fund the costs of two meals a day for over 4,000 beneficiaries, such as Colour Sergeant Maxmos Ketulo (pictured above), who served in the King’s African Rifles during World War Two and the Malayan Emergency.
GENERAL TALK PODCAST: WO1 GARRISON SERGEANT MAJOR ANDREW ‘VERN’ STOKES
Speaking in our latest podcast for General Talk, hosted by Harry Bucknall, WO1 Garrison Sergeant Major (GSM) Andrew ‘Vern’ Stokes talks about masterminding the military ceremonial arrangements for the state funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Click here to listen to the episode.
We are thrilled that GSM Stokes will be running the 2023 London Marathon to raise funds for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity. You can support him by making a donation here.
ATLANTIC GUARDSMEN BATTLE OCEAN WAVES FOR SOLDIERS IN NEED
Between 12th December and 20th January, a team of four soldiers from the Scots Guards took part in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, the world’s toughest rowing race, to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Falklands Conflict. The team has raised over £35,000 so far, which will be split 50/50 between our charity and the Scots Guards Charity.
We are absolutely thrilled with the Atlantic Guardsmen’s fundraising efforts and would like to thank everyone who donated. All funds raised will help us support the Army family in need.
LORD MAYOR’S BIG CURRY LUNCH CELEBRATES 15 YEARS
One of the City of London’s most prestigious fundraising events is back this year, taking place on Thursday 30th March. Hosted by the Lord Mayor, and held at the historic Guildhall in the heart of the City of London, the event will raise vital funds to support veterans into employment.
Join us for delicious curries, unlimited beer and wine, money-can’t-buy prizes in our silent auction, and much more. Book your tickets today. For more details, visit our website and follow our social feed for updates.