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The ABF this week launches an urgent Christmas appeal as a response to the mounting numbers of serving soldiers and their families in great need who require immediate help.
Cases are expected to snowball in the coming years, as casualties from ongoing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan flood through from 'frontline' charities. As the Army's 'umbrella' charity, the ABF picks up those cases that other charities alone are unable to assist. It can frequently takes two or three years before cases are referred to the Fund and the ABF is now seeing a significant rise in appeals for help from recent veterans of the two conflicts.
Dependent on voluntary donations, the Fund must currently raise around £5.5 million each year to continue its vital work with members of the Army Family. The need shows no sign of abating, and with an exponential growth in cases expected the ABF's need for public financial support is greater than ever.
An additional demand on the Fund is the good news that more veterans are accessing the assistance that is available to them. Last year's 60th anniversary of World War Two commemorations brought service welfare charities to the attention of a huge number of older veterans. As a result, the ABF was this year able to help many former servicemen and women and their families who otherwise may have suffered unknown.
Around half of the money that the Fund raises each year is granted directly to individuals. Grants can cover everything from retraining a disabled soldier for a new career to care home fees for a World War Two veteran or a much needed holiday for a war widow and her young children. The rest of the money is divided between around 80 smaller charities that look after the special needs of the Army Community.
"We see no decline in the need for our help, especially now from those young soldiers and their families who are suffering as a result of recent operations, this is why we in turn need your help now more than ever."
Major General Sir Evelyn Webb-Carter, Controller of the ABF
