Independant platform for post-modern charity

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From Angelina Jolie to David Cameron, the great and the good have stepped forward to support  the Independent/Evening Standard’s campaign for Homeless Veterans.In the run-up to Christmas it puts the spotlight on two charities; Veteran Aid and ABF The Soldiers Charity. London commuters on auto-pilot pick up their copy of the ES and, night after night, read about the hands-on work of the former and the grant-giving impact of the latter.

It isn’t the first ‘help our heroes’ campaign – but it is perhaps the most honest. This appeal looks at veterans in the round – not all soldiers, not all male, not all ‘heroes’; just people like us,  who have got into trouble.

10428488_878660315480044_2651896600302184623_nMaybe this approach will encourage members of the 4.6 million-strong ex-service community who didn’t think they were ‘worth it’ to ask for help at the first sign of meltdown?

Prevention is not only better than cure – it’s cheaper.

Veterans Aid doesn’t judge and its staff are never shocked. The charity really is the ‘A&E’ of the  ex-Service world.

I worked with and  alongside Britain’s Armed Forces in Bosnia, The Gulf, Kosovo, The Falklands, Afghanistan (and many other lively places) for many years. As an attached civilian or embedded journalist I shared many  experiences with soldiers, sailors and airmen. If I was in trouble now, and  able to access the help of organisations like Veterans Aid, I would count myself blessed.

This organisation is modern – post-modern! – pragmatic, immediate and  effective. It doesn’t pussyfoot around asking desperate people to fill-in forms or come back in a week’s time. It’s a place where people regularly find hope, humour and help.  So thanks to the organisations below for helping these charities to reach the people who need their help.

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See Independent article (28/11/14)   by Chris Green HERE

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11,000 mile taxi ride for Veterans charity

I’ve often thought I was  perhaps a tad borderline in the conformity stakes – but when I heard that three guys were taking an 11,000 mile cab ride to the capital of Mongolia I realised that  my eccentricities  were  strictly minor-league. Straight from university,  looking for adventure,  and accompanied only by a 16-year-old called Mildred who had nevertheless been round the block a few times,   adventurers Oliver, Olivier and Will  joined 400 other teams  leaving London on  Saturday, 19th July  to take part in the 2014 Mongol Rally. To be fair the 16-year-old is a London taxi – affectionately nicknamed Mildred – and purchased on eBay for less than £1000.