The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund (RAFBF)

Hello, I am Rosie Gibbons and I work for the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund (RAFBF) as the new Regional Fundraiser for London and the South East of England. The RAFBF have recently expanded their fundraising Team by recruiting four new Regional fundraisers who are split across the UK, with me as one of them. Our roles are to drive forward the fundraising aspect of the charity, to increase awareness of the RAFBF alongside raising funds.

Recent research has suggested that many of those aware of the RAFBF, think that its work is mainly aimed at older service personnel and veterans. Additionally, a large proportion of our supporters are over the age of 60. With this in mind, the RAFBF aim to change its reputation by raising awareness of its work, which is by no means limited to older service personnel and veterans - far from it! Additionally, we aim to engage with age groups across the spectrum in an attempt to increase support and awareness from all ages.

The part that I play in this grand plan, is to start generating support and awareness within my region by organising events, placing counter collection boxes, giving talks, engaging with RAF stations, meeting volunteers, attending events and much much more….

WHY ODIHAM?
There are 3 very very good reasons: -

1. RAF Odiham is a key (if not THE key) RAF Station within my London and South East remit.

2. I have recently moved to Crondall, so I am personally local to the area

3. I work from home

Odiham is an ideal place for me to start. I have already made links with RAF Odiham, with a couple of visits, good contacts and other potential activities on the horizon. As a town that is so close to the RAF station, I would like to be able to raise awareness of the RAFBF within the local community surrounding it.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?
I am looking for 3 main areas of support:-

Counter Collection Boxes.
If you own or manage a shop, bar or restaurant, it would be great if you are able to place one on your counter

Tombola, Raffle or Auction Prizes.
I have a tombola that I take to air shows, families days and various other events across my region, therefore any prizes that you are able to donate will be welcome indeed. Additionally, we hold auctions and raffles at other events such as golf days, lectures, dinners etc. where larger prizes could be donated.

Volunteer support
I aim to increase the number of events for us to attend; therefore any help and support for these events would be greatly appreciated. Additionally, if there is anyone who would like to hold their own events, then I would be very pleased to hear from you. I live and work locally, therefore can easily supply all relevant materials for events.

THE RAFBF
The RAFBF provide welfare to current and former Servicemen and women. Sadly, not enough of these men and women are aware of the level of welfare we can provide for both them and their families. It is my job to both promote the Fund and help those in need, whether they are 18 or 118 years old!

The Benevolent Fund is running a ‘Reaching Out Campaign’ this year, to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Royal Air Force. The campaign appeals to any member of the RAF family in need, to step forward and seek support. The charity wants to let serving and retired members of the RAF, their partners and dependants, know that they could be missing out on much-needed welfare assistance - because they don't realise they are eligible for help.

PLEASE GET IN TOUCH
I am available on 07525 800 138 or rosie.gibbons@rafbf.org.uk if you are able to help in any way or would like to talk to me about any fundraising ideas.
Additionally, if you would like me to attend an event or come and speak to a group, then please just call me or email me.

Thank you!

Rosie Gibbons
Fundraiser - London and South East
Direct Line: 07525 800 138

The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund
To find out more about the work of the RAF Benevolent Fund please visit www.rafbf.org.