The former Worshipful the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Craig Collingswood, donated a cheque for £10,000 to the West Midlands North branch of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity – one of four chosen causes during his term in office.
Sworn into office as the 166th Mayor of Wolverhampton in April 2025, Cllr Collingswood chose to support local veterans, serving personnel and their families during his tenure which is a cause close to his heart as his son is a serving member of the British Army.
Alongside his daughter, Mayoress Abby, Cllr Collingswood dedicated an immense amount of time to his fundraising efforts throughout the course of his Mayoral year. From Quiz and Chip nights, Christmas Jumper day judging panels and Christmas wreath making workshops the Mayor organised activities which appealed to all ages in the community.
In July 2025, the Mayoral parlour even opened its doors for the ‘A Slice of Wolverhampton’ event, inviting inquisitive members of the public to learn more about the significance of the City’s crest and regalia whilst enjoying a glass of fizz and a slice of cake.
April 2026 also saw the 10th anniversary of the City’s annual fundraising event, Mayor’s Fest – a three-day live music and entertainment festival taking place across Wolverhampton’s best loved venues. SSAFA was once again supported at this event, alongside Cllr Collingswood’s other chosen charities; Compton Care, Acorns Children’s Hospice and the Royal Wolverhampton NHS charity.
Katrina McNamara, Branch Chair for SSAFA West Midlands North, commented:
“We are honoured that Cllr Collingswood chose our branch as one of the charities for his term and are extremely thankful for the enormous efforts and unwavering commitment he’s shown. These well-needed funds will directly support the veterans, serving personnel and their families living in our community and will have a tremendous impact.”
“As a branch, we’re also incredibly grateful for the opportunities we’ve been provided through his support – from bucket collections, attending a Wolves football match to having a presence at Civic services and events. This donation was also made possible through the incredible generosity of our community, so thank you to everyone who supported Craig across all his activities.”
These vital funds will be used to directly support the Armed Forces community – veterans, serving personnel and their families – living in Wolverhampton, Walsall, Dudley and West Bromwich.
Cllr Collingswood added:
“I chose to support SSAFA during my Mayoral year as my son is a serving soldier in the British Army and their work is a cause very close to my heart. I got to work closely with the branch during the course of my year and learn about the absolutely amazing work they do helping those who have served our country when they are in need. They could not have been more supportive or engaged as a Mayoral charity, turning up to all of our events and shaking buckets to help us fundraise. I am honoured to have had the opportunity to raise this money for them and I know SSAFA will put it to good use.”
SSAFA volunteers have been helping the Armed Forces community – regulars and reserves, serving or retired, and their families since 1885. To volunteer or fundraise for SSAFA, or to seek support, visit the SSAFA website and search for “SSAFA near me”.
