In a year dominated by a cost-of-living crisis as the UK transitioned from lockdowns and a pandemic, good news stories from 2022 about charitable donations were seemingly few and far between.
However, fundraising efforts from food service provider Aramark Defence Services, which has a charitable partnership with SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity have seen donations break through the £150,000 barrier.
Among the fundraising events and initiatives, Aramark took part in SSAFA’s annual 13 Bridges Challenge, as well as Tough Mudder competitions, Land’s End to John O’Groats cycle rides, inter-barrack competitions, sponsored walks in the Highlands, raffles, tombolas, cake bakes at the 60 major defence establishments that Aramark manages. The list goes on.
Alongside these active fundraisers were more passive ways of contributing, which included an astounding £52,000 from profits from the sale of some 658,000 carrier bags from Aramark’s 40 Premier shops on bases throughout the country.
Keeping with the shops theme, a further £50,000 was raised by the simple act of 150,000 customers rounding up their bills at Premier till points.
Sir Andrew Gregory, Controller of SSAFA, said:
“On behalf of the beneficiaries of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity I am extremely grateful to Aramark for its very generous support for our work throughout 2022 and in preceding years.
“In particular, the fundraising – from SSAFA’s own 13 Bridges to Tough Mudder races, and from the London Marathon to the simple act of rounding up a bill at the till – Aramark is driving positive meaningful, and lasting change that benefits every member of the military family in their time of need.
“Put simply, without the support of companies like Aramark, the impact and reach of our work – which improves and changes lives – would be hampered, and so we greatly appreciate Aramark’s continued commitment to SSAFA.”
Glyn Ingram, Defence and Judicial Sector Director for Aramark UK said:
“This achievement is testament to all of the Side by Side team at Aramark. Their commitment to this cause is amazing, going out of their way to make a difference. Their activities and engagement with customers, colleagues and clients brings about a great deal of energy, which is directed at delivering on behalf of SSAFA.
“Our teams are proud to support SSAFA, especially as such a large part of our business is defence based. We look forward to continuing to raise funds and embrace activities to make a difference.”
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