To recognise the work of volunteers and staff of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity in Scotland, a new Regional Recognition Award (RRA) was established in 2023 with the aim of acknowledging extra endeavour and inspirational dedication.
Awarded quarterly, those for May have just been announced, and one recipient is Bob Whiteford, who volunteers as a caseworker for the Ayrshire branch of SSAFA.
Bob, an active 74 year old, lives in Stewarton, and like many volunteers dispels the myth that only those with military experience give up their free time for Armed Forces charities.
His only connection to the Armed Forces is his father, who served in the Home Guard during WWII. Bob’s background was first as a dairy farmer at the award-winning Wheatrig Ayrshires herd and latterly in financial services, a move he says was “… more by accident than design…”. A very serendipitous accident, as it turns out.
Bob joined SSAFA in 2013 after one of his then clients, Graham Piggott (SSAFA Ayrshire chairman) asked if he wanted to volunteer for the charity.
“I’d never heard of SSAFA,” admitted Bob, “so I asked what it was about, was invited to the Ayrshire office to see what happened and the work it does for Armed Forces’ personnel and their families, and have been with SSAFA ever since.”
Explaining more, Bob said:
“I enjoy trying to help others who may not be in a position to help themselves and take great pleasure when a case completes successfully.
“Not all cases are straightforward and need experience and that little bit extra to get to the desired outcome. With all the changes that have taken place over the last few years, my financial services experience has helped with the new computer system and the changes to data protection.
“I’m really pleased to receive this award as it recognises the work of the volunteers who sometimes need to put in a lot of hours to get the results for people in need.”
For more information – including how to volunteer, fundraise, or access services – visit ssafa.org.uk/ayrshire.
