SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, was selected by the Three Rivers UK Chapter Harley-Davidson Owners Group (HOG) as its charity of the year for 2024. Through the year, the club raised a total of £10,000 to support the local Armed Forces community.
With more than 200 members, many of whom are ex-military, the motorcycle club is a community for motorcycle riders and enthusiasts to meet, ride and raise money for charitable causes.
The club raised the full £10,000 through various events and initiatives, including one member sewing HD badges to members’ leather jackets in return for a donation, and at Bike Fest, its annual bike show and fundraising event. Each summer, club members and motorbike enthusiasts enjoy trade stalls, food vendors and live music at the event, all while fundraising for the motorcycle club’s charity of the year.
Martyn Coote, Director of the Three Rivers UK Chapter HOG, commented:
“Many members of our club served in the Armed Forces or have family who have, so SSAFA is a cause that is close to many of us. It gives an invaluable lifeline to the Hertfordshire Armed Forces community during some of life’s more difficult moments, and we’re proud that our donation will go toward helping soldiers, veterans and their families whenever they need an extra bit of support.”
Jim Robinson, Chair of the SSAFA Hertfordshire branch, added:
“We are incredibly grateful to the Three Rivers UK Chapter HOG for this donation. It will make a real difference to the local Armed Forces community, helping to fund our work in Hertfordshire. Beyond its financial contribution, the club has also helped to raise awareness of SSAFA and the practical and emotional assistance we give to members of the Armed Forces family. We want to make sure that people know we are here any time they need us.”
The Three Rivers UK Chapter HOG chooses a new charity to fundraise for each year. Its members gather to hear presentations from local causes and a charity is selected by membership vote.
While SSAFA is no longer the charity of the year in 2025, both organisations look forward to maintaining close ties, with SSAFA set to attend Bike Fest again this summer.
SSAFA has worked for the whole UK Armed Forces community for 140 years, since 1885. Its mission is simple: to reach and embrace the Armed Forces family, so they never battle alone.
Visit https://www.ssafa.org.uk/hertfordshire to access support.
