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An Even Bigger Brew Up 2009

People in Service Communities across the world are already planning events for this year’s Big Brew Up in aid of SSAFA Forces Help.  Just getting together and putting the kettle on can directly help our troops and their families, and events and parties raise vital funds for local communities across Western Europe each year.

Last year saw a record-breaking 400 events taking place around the world, with over 100 of them taking place across BFG and Belgium.  This year, SSAFA hopes to make the event even bigger.  With the current level of operations requiring increased commitment by military personnel and their families, the support provided by the charity is as vital today as it ever was.

“Each year we are overwhelmed by the support and enthusiasm shown around the world – even those on operations have taken part”, says SSAFA Fundraising Director Claire Hoather. “To hold a Big Brew Up, you just need to get together with friends and put the kettle on, and you can be as imaginative as you like”.

NAAFI is once again proud to sponsor the Big Brew Up in Western Europe.  Having been a long term supporter of SSAFA Forces Help over the years, NAAFI will supply 10,000 teabags and almost 8,000 biscuits for participants to enjoy, as well as supporting individual events across Germany with cooked breakfasts.   Simon Blyth, NAAFI Commercial Development Manager, who presented the tea and biscuits to SSAFA at JHQ NAAFI Max, is proud of NAAFI’s continued commitment to showing its support:

“We are delighted to be supporting the SSAFA Big Brew Up in Western Europe and are extremely proud to be associated with such a worthwhile cause”, says Simon.  “The Big Brew Up is particularly close to our hearts as Serving Soldiers have been enjoying a NAAFI cup of ‘char’ since the First World War and continue to do so today”.

Big Brew Up week runs from 3rd to11th October 2009, but tea parties can be organised anytime, anywhere – there was even an underwater tea party once.   Whether you’re planning a simple tea party with friends or something more ambitious, get in touch with SSAFA for a Publicity Pack.  Packs include posters to advertise your event, as well as stickers, invitations, balloons, and enough tea bags to make tea for everyone who comes along. 

“The money raised from Big Brew Up events goes directly to help those in our Service communities across Western Europe”, says Eric Manca, SSAFA Volunteer Development Manager Western Europe. “You can choose whether the money goes towards the cost of SSAFA’s Children with Additional Needs Holiday 2010, to your local SSAFA In-Service Committee, or to help towards charitable projects such as the Carer Support Scheme”.

If you’re not organising a party yourself, why not join SSAFA’s Volunteer Projects Office staff in JHQ on Thursday 10th September for a “Belly Buster Breakfast” at the annual Big House Big Breakfast.  Breakfast is served between 8am and 12 noon and everybody of all ages is welcome.  For those not working at the Big House, just come through the gate at Entrance 33.

SSAFA Forces Help is the leading charity who have been helping and supporting those who serve in our Armed Forces, those who used to serve, and the families of both, since 1885. The organisation provides a reliable, caring and trusted service to more that 50,000 people each year. SSAFA volunteers provide practical and financial assistance, emotional support and a wide range of services to ensure that they make a real difference whenever anybody turns to them for help.

If you want to support SSAFA Forces Help, register for a Big Brew Up Pack by calling JHQ Mil 3392 or 02161 4723392 or email bfgvpo@ssafa.org.uk.