CEO of Veterans Aid Dr Hugh Milroy said, “We were delighted when we heard that the In-Pensioners wanted to volunteer but we never expected so many. VA is located at the heart of Victoria, between three major transport hubs, so it is important that ex-servicemen and women arriving in London and needing help know where to fund us.”
The day’s collections were augmented by ex-servicemen who had been helped by VA at some stage in their lives.
Dr Milroy added, “They understand better than anyone where and how the money we raise is spent. Although our hostel refurbishment is well under way we are still short of our total target so every donation is gratefully received.”
VA was founded by the wife of former Royal Hospital Adjutant Major Gilbert Huggins and the two charities enjoy a close relationship.
The bucket collection raised over £800 will be used to deliver frontline support to ex-servicemen and women in crisis.
It costs £8.5k to support one veteran for a year in the charity’s New Belvedere House hostel. The average cost of rehousing a client is a further £1.6k. Veterans Aid has a 92 percent success rate in turning lives around.
