(I hate the term 'veteran')
There are a number of thoroughly deserving charities serving the ex-Service community and I know that some attract proportionately more public support than others. Some have had questions asked about their way of doing things, others. having been around for a long time, are sometimes seen as a job creation scheme for retired senior officers. This post isn't about giving any of the established charities a hard time, it's all welcome if it actually does some good.
One charity in particular, though, I'd bring to your attention - Veterans' Aid. They've been around for years, since starting up as the Embankment Fellowship Centre after the First World War. They do a first-rate job, concentrating on helping out and sorting out ex-Service people who find themselves in dire straits, either through homelessness, unfortunate lifestyle choices or just simple, pesky, bad luck. They offer pragmatic, sensible, non-judgemental support to all who need it and are Jolly Good Eggs. Add to this, they have a minimal management structure, low overheads and the bulk of the cash they generate goes into the ex-Service community.
I'll declare a personal interest here - I know the CEO quite well and, to my embarrassment, him being an ex blue job and all, he's a top bloke and entirely focused on doing what's right. At this time of year, if you're planning to put your hand in your pocket and drop a few quid on a charity, consider doing it for Veterans' Aid.
There are a number of thoroughly deserving charities serving the ex-Service community and I know that some attract proportionately more public support than others. Some have had questions asked about their way of doing things, others. having been around for a long time, are sometimes seen as a job creation scheme for retired senior officers. This post isn't about giving any of the established charities a hard time, it's all welcome if it actually does some good.
One charity in particular, though, I'd bring to your attention - Veterans' Aid. They've been around for years, since starting up as the Embankment Fellowship Centre after the First World War. They do a first-rate job, concentrating on helping out and sorting out ex-Service people who find themselves in dire straits, either through homelessness, unfortunate lifestyle choices or just simple, pesky, bad luck. They offer pragmatic, sensible, non-judgemental support to all who need it and are Jolly Good Eggs. Add to this, they have a minimal management structure, low overheads and the bulk of the cash they generate goes into the ex-Service community.
I'll declare a personal interest here - I know the CEO quite well and, to my embarrassment, him being an ex blue job and all, he's a top bloke and entirely focused on doing what's right. At this time of year, if you're planning to put your hand in your pocket and drop a few quid on a charity, consider doing it for Veterans' Aid.
