ABF The Soldiers' Charity, previously known as the Army Benevolent Fund, is a distinguished British military assistance organization that has been offering a lifetime of support to the Army family since 1944. This well-regarded charity has been instrumental in helping soldiers, veterans, and their immediate relatives in times of need.
The Birth and Growth of the Charity
In 1944, the Army Benevolent Fund was established in response to the massive strain placed on Regimental and Corps charitable funds due to the demobilization of soldiers following the two World Wars. The urgent need for a national charity to provide practical assistance to soldiers and veterans became clear. Its first patron was King George VI, and the charity has continued to enjoy royal patronage, with Queen Elizabeth II as the current patron.
In January 2010, the charity rebranded itself as ABF The Soldiers' Charity, continuing its mission to support the Army family by providing grants to individuals and other specialist organizations that help soldiers and their families. The charity works with veterans from every conflict since the Second World War, including those from recent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Impact of the Charity
During the past year, ABF The Soldiers' Charity spent £17.3 million in support of more than 70,000 members of the Army family across 68 countries. Additionally, the charity funded 92 other organizations and charities to deliver specialist support on its behalf.
Fundraising Events and Initiatives
ABF The Soldiers' Charity regularly organizes national events as part of its fundraising activities:
The Cateran Yomp is an annual event in which participants trek across the 54-mile Cateran Trail in Blairgowrie, Perthshire. Since its inception in 2010, the event has raised over £4,400,000 for the charity.
Adventure Challenges include a variety of activities such as tandem skydives with The Red Devils (the official parachute display team of both The Parachute Regiment (The Paras) and the British Army), the Virgin Money London Marathon, and the Frontline Walk.
Partner Organizations
ABF The Soldiers' Charity serves as a vital funder for numerous specialist organizations that rely on its support to continue offering bespoke assistance to the Army family and partners. This includes more than 92 military service charities such as the Royal British Legion, RAF Benevolent Fund, Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity, SSAFA, and Combat Stress.
Beneficiaries and Ambassadors
Every year, thousands of individuals receive welfare support from ABF The Soldiers' Charity. Many of these individuals become ambassadors for the charity, sharing their stories to raise funds and spread awareness about the cause. Some notable ambassadors include:
- Stewart Harris, a former infantryman who served with the 1st Battalion, The Welsh Guards.
- John Cutting, who served in the Royal Engineers from 1970 to 1974.
- Joseph Connor, a Trooper with the 15th (Scottish) Reconnaissance Regiment during Operation Overlord.
- Brenda Hale, a Democratic Unionist Party politician in Northern Ireland who lost her husband, Captain Mark Hale, while he was serving in Afghanistan.
- Andy Reid, a triple amputee and motivational speaker after being injured while serving with the 3rd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment, in Afghanistan.
- Alistair Hodgson, an international skydiving champion and double amputee who was injured in a terrorist attack while serving as a Paratrooper in Northern Ireland.
High-Profile Supporters
Various high-profile individuals from the worlds of film, TV, sport, music, and entertainment have lent their support to the charity, contributing to fundraising, awareness, and campaigning activities. Notable supporters include J.K. Rowling, Rowan Atkinson, Jeremy Clarkson, Judi Dench, Stephen Fry, Bear Grylls, Lorraine Kelly, Gary Lineker, Joanna Lumley, and James Blunt.
The charity also partners with numerous corporations, including MBDA, Barclays, and BAE Systems.
Governance
The charity's patrons and trustees play an essential role in its management:
- Patron: Queen Elizabeth II
- Vice Patrons: Field Marshal Sir John Chapple GCB CBE and Field Marshal the Lord Inge KG GCB DL.
- Chairman of the Trustees: Lieutenant General (Retired) Philip Jones.
Supporting ABF The Soldiers' Charity Through Shopping
By offering free shipping on orders over £70, ABF The Soldiers' Charity ensures that 100% of the profits from every order go directly to supporting the Army family in need. The charity also partners with a variety of amazing brands, making it easy to shop and support the cause at the same time.
Stay Connected and Updated
Subscribing to the charity's emails ensures that supporters are the first to know about new collections, exclusive offers, and updates on the charity's work.
In Conclusion
ABF The Soldiers' Charity has been providing unwavering support to the British Army family for over seven decades, helping soldiers, veterans, and their families in times of need. Through its fundraising events, partnerships, and the dedication of its ambassadors and supporters, the charity continues to make a significant impact on the lives of those who have served and their loved ones.
Author’s Biography
Thomas James is an experienced journalist and content writer who has worked in the online slots industry for years. He brings a wealth of insight and experience to his writing, having interviewed many of the leading slot developers and operators in the UK.