SAIF Golden Charter

Independents support the centenary

During this special year as we celebrate our centenary milestone and our sixth year of partnership with Golden Charter, we are extremely proud of our achievements. Thank you to all the funeral directors who have taken part in the campaign over the years, whether you have been with us since we launched in 2016 or if you have joined this year. I am so pleased to hear that more than 730 funeral directors have opted in to support the Golden Charter annual campaign this year. Our partnership has surpassed the incredible milestone of raising £500,000, ensuring we can continue to provide lifelong support and advice to vulnerable veterans and their families when they need us the most.

From those who fought in the First World War to the men and women of our Armed Forces today, we believe no one should suffer for having served others. In a year that has seen our Armed Forces on the frontline building hospitals, delivering supplies and carrying out COVID-19 testing, their unique contribution to the nation is more important than ever. Due to the pandemic, many veterans and their families have struggled to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads, so it is crucial that we are there for them through thick and thin.

Your incredible contribution will help people like 27-year-old Leon from Cheshire. When he left service, Leon was unable to find a job and ended up on the streets, along with his dog Misty. Leon had been living rough for three months until the Royal British Legion (RBL) stepped in to help him find a place to live, pay his deposit on a property in Wirral and provide some furniture to make a home. After the charity rescued him from homelessness, he got together with a group of friends and Army veterans to organise a hike from Wirral Peninsula to Snowdon to raise funds for the Legion.

Leon, who was diagnosed with PTSD, now has a new life, new friends and has retrained as a chef. He said: “I was at a real low point, and without the support of my friends and the Royal British Legion, I dread to think what might have happened. It’s amazing to think that just by buying a poppy, you can make such a difference to real lives.”

The RBL’s Community Fundraiser for West Cheshire, Ruth Jones, said: “Leon’s story is sadly familiar, but the RBL raises money so we can provide lifelong support for our Armed Forces community, helping those in need.”

This year, we marked 100 years since the nation’s collective Remembrance traditions were first brought together. The poppy, two-minute silence, Armistice Day, the service for the Unknown Warrior and the march-past at the Cenotaph are traditions that millions participate in every year. It is really heartening to see so many funeral directors take part in this year’s window display competition and I thank you all for the creative ways you have marked Remembrance in your local community.

Congratulations to Viner & Sons Ltd (third place), MK Ginder, Watford (second place) and Stoodley & Son for winning the window display competition this year.

Thank you all for your continued support. We look forward to reaching many more partnership milestones together.