Last Tuesday, 3 September, was the 20th anniversary of the Corporate Friends scheme started by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
The occasion was marked by an event at the London offices of Turner and Townsend, who also sponsored the event. There was a keynote address given by David Williams CB, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Defence (MOD). Mr. Williams gave a very insightful and personal account of defence in the context of national and global politics today.
The Corporate Friends scheme was set up to raise funds for the charity, as well as to help foster relationships with the defence industry. Also part of the scheme is a group of Corporate Ambassadors, two of which – Lady Alex Walmsley and Paul Beaver – have been involved from the inception of the scheme.
There are currently over 30 members, and collectively the scheme has raised more than £2 million of vital funds for SSAFA. This money helps to provide critical support to enable the entire Armed Forces family to thrive, and ensure that none of them have to battle their problems alone.
More information about SSAFA can be found at www.ssafa.org.uk.
