Published: 10th February 2011
:: Ideal Home Show targets new record for ABF the Soldiers Charity ::
 
The Ideal Home Show, launched earlier this year, is aiming to break its fundraising record with a target of £150,000 for its Ideal Homes for Heroes Appeal at its show next year, it was announced today.
In its first fundraising campaign, the Ideal Home Show raised over £102,000 in conjunction with ABF The Soldier's Charity to help fund grants for soldiers and their families in need.
As part of the Appeal, this year's show included the special Troops Day which was staged as a tribute to the Armed Forces and proved to be a massive hit for the first-day visitors. Over 265,000 visitors to the Ideal Home Show contributed to the cause which was boosted by a generous £80,000 pledge to the campaign by show organisers Media 10 Ltd from the sales of tickets.
Next year Media 10 aims to raise £150,000 and will again donate 50p from every ticket sold during the seventeen days of the show which takes place from the 11th – 27th March 2011.
"The Ideal Homes for Heroes Appeal made such an impressive start this year and allowed us to give practical help to 152 soldiers and their families. With the public's continued support, our partnership with the Ideal Home Show will go from strength to strength in 2011 and allow us to be there for more soldiers, former soldiers and their families." said Major General Sir Evelyn Webb-Carter, Chief Executive of The Soldiers' Charity.
Rob Nathan, Marketing Director of Media 10, show organisers added: "We launched the Ideal Homes for Heroes Appeal in 2010 with the aim of making a difference to a worthy charity that was close to the hearts of the nation.
"We could not have anticipated the incredible response that we received at the show, and thanks to the amazing generosity of our visitors the campaign was a huge success, and has helped many deserving members of our forces across the UK."
"The Ideal Home Show is very proud to have made such a difference to the beneficiaries and we will continue to support the vital work of The Soldiers' Charity and their efforts in supporting our troops for 2011 and beyond.”
The Ideal Homes for Heroes Appeal in 2011 will continue to help with vital home adaptations and improvements, general housing needs and the homelessness of those who have suffered injuries, including some severe, in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Last year the Appeal assisted 152 serving and former soldiers, the support was a wide ranging and included home adaptations to support them remaining in their own homes, helping them to overcome hardship, and moving on from unemployment and homelessness.
The home of Alan, 54, who served with the 3rd Battalion Royal Green Jackets, is the first to be refurbished by the Ideal Homes for Heroes campaign since it began in March.
Alan became homeless some years ago when his marriage broke down. He has suffered hearing loss as a result of his time in the Army and has experienced flashbacks and bouts of depression.
After a period of moving between friend's houses and a period of drifting, he has recently moved into his new home. As Alan had no belongings other than his personal effects, the grant allowed his flat to be refurbished to the value of £12,000, with a new kitchen and heating system as well as everyday household paraphernalia such as a bed, a sofa, a cooker and fridge.
A newly refurbished bathroom for 92 year old veteran Arthur which provided him with a walk-in shower has helped to maintain his independence. A Sergeant in the 3rd Battalion Grenadier Guards, Arthur Claridge joined the Army as a volunteer on his 21st Birthday in 1939 and was based at Wellington Barracks, St James during the blitz as a roof top guard. He subsequently served in North Africa with the Desert Rats of the 8th Army, Italy and the Middle East.
Funding towards a ground floor bedroom; a level access wet room and a wheelchair ramp for 38 year old father of three Carl allows him to administer to himself in one place and improved his quality of life. After 22 years service, including two tours of Iraq with the Royal Hampshire Regiment and following amalgamation, the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment, Colour Sergeant Carl Stringer was medically discharged from the Army in September 2009 having been diagnosed with an aggressive form of Multiple Sclerosis.
The Ideal Home Show, now in its 103rd year, has become a national institution, as the UK's number one consumer home show. The 'Ideal Homes for Heroes Appeal' retraces the shows heritage, back to the 1920's, when, after the First World War, the show launched its Ideal (Workers) Homes competition. This competition was in line with the 1920's housing act which stated that the government would provide adequate, ‘Homes Fit For Heroes' to reward soldiers, munitions workers and their families with better standards of living.
The Ideal Home Show runs from 11th –27th March at London's Earls Court. Tickets can be either booked online or by calling the Ticket Hotline on 0844 415 4144. Group bookings can be made by calling the Groups Hotline on 0871 230 5581, or for further information about the show and to purchase tickets online visit the website www.idealhomeshow.co.uk
Be part of the Ideal Homes for Heroes Appeal in 2011 by making a donation and help us to help more soldiers and their families. Simply visit www.soldierscharity.org/events-and-campaigns/ideal-homes-for-heroes-appeal/ or www.idealhomeshow.co.uk for further information.
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