The first Falklands Veterans Charity

[ratso]

The FVF Falklands Veterans Foundation will be launched hopefully by the end of November. This will be the only charity dedicated to the Veterans and families of the Falklands War.
It has taken a lot of planning and lots of hard work to get it through as a charity, which we have been told will occur within the next two weeks.
The Trustees so far are: Jim Davidson, Simon Weston and Mike Osman. It is hoped that Lady Thatcher will be standing as Patron.

I am trying to get the web site up to provide a detailed view of the aims and objectives, though as many of you know I am plagued by problems with health at present.
This year has meant a lot to me and to have set two major projects away has helped to take its toll.
PLEASE help and support what we hope will be a major charity aimed at helping all those who served and received the South Atlantic Medal.

This is a major step forward with regards to the Veterans of the Falklands and their families and is well overdue in its begining, why I keep asking has it never been done before and why is it down to me again....
Never mind Colin its only pain was what it said on the sign....

[Charlie]

If I can help you in any way, I am glad to do so. Please tell me/us, specifically what you need.

[ratso]

Thanks Charlie.
At the moment we are putting together all the information for the charity together with fund raisers packs etc.
As I said the charity number is all we are now waiting for, Well apart from funds.
Below are the objects as laid down for charity status.

Object 1

To provide advice, support and where required financial assistance, to Falklands Veterans and their families. (Falklands Veterans are defined as being the holder of the South Atlantic Medal)

Activities

Contact local and national trusts to obtain funding.
Arrange fundraising events and social activities to benefit the charity and raise awareness both to Veterans and to the public.
Set up and provide accommodation in the Falkland Islands specifically for veterans and families who wish to make a Pilgrimage to the Islands and assist in the raising of funding to allow the pilgrimages to be fully funded.
Set up and man a dedicated office to help with administering to the needs of Falklands Veterans and their families.

Object 2

To ensure that all issues relevant to Falklands Veterans can be addressed and a working body be in place to help to administer to the changes in the needs which time presents. To provide advice on all matters with support through case work studies with Veterans and their families.
To work towards keeping alive the memories of those who gave their lives through memorial services and anniversary commemorations, bringing together those who served.

Activities

Contact all surviving veterans and deceased veterans’ families to make them aware of the charity and its objectives.
Provide an assessment and respite centre for veterans suffering with any disabilities, either physical or mental, to attend and receive first class counselling. Help to establish a network of people throughout the country willing to provide support where needed and to provide training for those support workers.
To raise funding for all commemorative events. Including the 25th anniversary, to help keep the memories alive and bring together those who hold the Falklands medal.

Object 3

To raise funds to help set up a study group to look into the effect that war has on not just the servicemen & women but the families as well. To help and assist other bodies involved with Falklands Veterans which have no charitable status with funding for specific issues and events.

Activities

Liaise with Government, Universities and Combat Stress so that the efforts can be combined to complete a study as soon as possible, with on going aims to prevent any further loss of life amongst veterans. It has been reported that an extraordinary number of veterans have since taken their own lives.
To look into cause and effect related to all areas where there can be seen to have been a detrimental effect on those who served.
To help other organisations with similar aims, to liaise and provide help. To provide both support and financial assistance to groups set up to assist Falklands Veterans which have no charitable status, these include SAMA 82, Falklands Families Association and any others which have set out to help and assist Falklands Veterans and their Families.

We are also looking to open either a wing on the Stanley Hotel or find a house for Veterans and their families to make the pilgrimage and to assist with fares etc. This is ambitious though I aim to sit on the MOD and Government for every seat on flights South.

[Charlie]

Ratso.

Sweeping, far reaching and common sense objectives.

I work for one of the big 4 banks and we have a scheme whereby we can support 'registered' charities.

The methodology is that the bank will double a staff members contribution. This is obviously to a max figure - currently £500.

To avoid bogging others down in detail, maybe we should swap one or two pm's.

Will this mean me wearing womens clothes - again!

[John_D]

Congratulations Col
its Good to see the fruits of your labours coming into bloom,most of us old ones on the forum Know how much effort ,Time, and hard work,you have put into this project and lets not forget your camaign for the Fearless,

Once again Congratulations,and I,m sorry to hear your health is suffering because of your efforts,

Take care

Aye

John_D

[ratso]

Thanks John, I think its words of support that help me to keep going.

Yes Charlie if I have to wear womens clothes no reason why you should get away with it.

[Charlie]

Yummy......LET'S GET ON DOWN!!

I wonder if Rob Parry has a spare nurse uniform?

[ratso]

We will be looking to have an official Launch early in the New Year.
This I would hope would be a major fund raising event and tickets will be advertised for sale once the venue has been fixed and date finalised.
So if you would be interested drop me a line.

[colours]

Congratulations Colin,

If there is anything I can do to help please let me know.

Colours

[El Prez]

Charlie, I've got a spare Nurse, she's just informed me she doesn't want to go to watch the Barbarians play the Combined services at Devonport. She can come back in when she apologises!

Well done Colin, PM to follow shortly re dits book/funding etc.

[Charlie]

Well done Rob........penance must be done!

[El Prez]

That's another thing she got wrong, she wasn't flying a pennant!

[CJHarris]

I would just like to bring to your attention the fact that there is already a charity that helps holders of the South Atlantic Medal. So any claims for the FVF being the first are spurious. This is the Falklands branch of SAMA(82), which is a registered charity. Based in the Falklands this charity mainly helps out vets with visits to the islands to "lay the ghosts", and for many these visits work wonders.

Visit www.sama.horizon.co.fk for more info. So far we have raised over £40,000 and helped quite a few people out. Not least we recently organised the Falklands end of the SAMA(82) pilgrimage.

Cheers.

[CJHarris]

One more thing.. Just noticed the bit about finding a house in the Falklands, or a wing on a hotel (which hotel?). Think that SAMA(82) already have this in hand.

[John/Sandy Ruane]

The South Atlantic fund was set up shortly after '82 and administered by a Capt Dennis of the red fire engines fame. They held alot of money thanks to the great British public, and when it finally closed its books not that long ago, the monies then went to I think the RBL. I worked in the Welfare office at 45 and remember I got quite abit of dosh for people, including 40 grand for a lad from Ayr who suffered from PTSD very badly, I remember that well as neither of us had seen so much money before or since!
Hope all goes well with this new charity, and all the best.
By the way I wear womens clothes all the time !
Sandy x