Wednesday 3 October 2007 15:00
Ministry Of Defence (National)
Veterans Minister launches the SSAFA forces help big brew up
The Veterans Minister, Derek Twigg, today launched the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) Forces Help Big Brew Up fundraising campaign and encouraged everyone to have a 'cuppa' and help raise thousands of pounds for charity.
The week-long campaign will see more than 250 tea parties in places such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Germany, the Falklands and the UK to raise money for SSAFA Forces Help. The money raised will help the charity continue their important work with the Armed Forces, past and present, and their families.
Mr Twigg was joined at the Big Brew Up launch inside the Ministry of Defence's London Headquarters by Des Browne (Secretary of State for Defence), Bob Ainsworth (Armed Forces Minister), Sir Jock Stirrup (Chief of the Defence Staff), Sir Richard Dannatt (Chief of the General Staff), Sir Ian Andrews (Second Permanent Under Secretary), Sir Freddie Viggers (Adjutant General), representatives from SSAFA and scores of thirsty service personnel and civil servants.
The Veterans Minister, Derek Twigg, said:
"I am delighted to be launching the SSAFA Forces Help Big Brew Up. This is a great fundraising initiative and reminds us all of the vital work ex-service charities such as SSAFA do in providing support for our serving personnel and our veterans. This is a worthy cause and I encourage people to support the Big Brew Up by buying a SSAFA cup of tea wherever they are."
Major General Andrew Cumming, Chief Executive of SSAFA Forces Help, said:
"We are all aware of the dedication shown by our service personnel. The Big Brew Up raises funds that help us support personnel past and present and their families."
Notes to Editors:
1. SSAFA Forces Help is a national charity committed to helping and supporting those who serve or have served in our Armed Forces, and their families.
2. The Big Brew Up fundraising campaign runs until 7 October 2007.
3. Last year's Big Brew Up raised ?75,000 for the national charity.
