Cheshire solders have helped relaunch The Army Benevolent Fund whcih has changed its name to "ABF The Soldiers’ Charity".
The new identity which includes a change in the charity’s logo, launched nationally today (1st Feb) with soldiers from C Company 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire)*.
“We’ve already seen a 30% year on year increase in requests for assistance with the increase coming from younger soldiers and their families,” said Chief Executive Major General Sir Evelyn Webb-Carter.
“But in a few years time we expect a bow-wave of requests for a combination reasons, including the effects of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“We’ve seen the amazing stories of soldiers who have survived horrific injuries but we have no idea what the long term effects of these injuries will be. Whatever they are, we need to be prepared for them.
“The Army has a very well established network of support and care but when a soldier leaves, he and his family lose much of that network. With their different experiences and needs it’s at times like this that soldiers need to know who to turn to.
“It’s our responsibility to ensure that we have the money available to help and to make certain that soldiers know who to turn to. That is why we are calling ourselves The Soldiers’ Charity.
“Because we are For Soldiers. For Life.”
Lieutenant Colonel Philip Aindow, Director of Fundraising for the North West, said that he was looking forward to seeing more local support for the charity. North West England and the Isle of Man has a proud history of supporting the Army. Statistics show that about one sixth of all new recruits to the Army each year are recruited from North West England and the Isle of Man.
“There are many ways people can get involved and help us raise money for soldiers,” said Lt Col Aindow.
“From marathons to organizing a Big Curry event, there’s no better time to get involved and do your bit for those who do so much for us.”
To donate to the charity, visit soldierscharity.org
Post a comment