A major fundraising appeal has been launched by the Royal Air Force and its four major charities to mark the RAF’s centenary in 2018.
The RAF100 Appeal brings together the Royal Air Force, the RAF Association, the RAF Benevolent Fund, the RAF Charitable Trust, and the RAF Museum to establish a legacy that matches the vision of Viscount Trenchard who steered the formation of the RAF in 1918.
Speaking at the appeal launch at the Royal Aeronautical Society in London, Air Marshal Sir Baz North said the centenary provided a unique opportunity for the nation to look back at the RAF’s achievements, recognise the vital role it plays today and create the impetus to look ahead to the next 100 years.
To support the appeal, a series of high-profile national events are being organised next year alongside a wide range of local and regional initiatives that will seek to Commemorate, Celebrate and Inspire. These include a spectacular concert at the Royal Albert Hall, key airshows such as Cosford and the Royal International Air Tattoo will raise funds, as will a number of major sporting events – starting with the Wales/ All Blacks rugby at Cardiff’s Millennium stadium next month. Members of the public have already started their own fundraising initiatives, and a number of RAF100 Appeal Days in major UK cities will take place where military and civilian volunteers will come together, standing shoulder to shoulder to raise funds for the appeal.
Appeal Chairman Simon Collins, former Chairman of KPMG UK, said:
“Very few British people can look back at their family history over the past 100 years and find themselves untouched by the courage, capability and achievements of the men and women who served – and continue to serve – in our Royal Air Force. The RAF100 Appeal provides an opportunity for us all to pause and say: "thank you’ for what you’ve done, for what you’re doing and for what we can depend on you to do in the future.”
A number of leading companies in the UK have already pledged more than £2 million to the appeal, including headline sponsors Babcock, BAE Systems and Fujitsu.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshall Sir Stephen Hillier, said:
“Our first 100 years of excellence is down to the remarkable dedication and achievements of the men and women of the Royal Air Force. This is why - through the RAF100 Appeal - our associated charities have come together to support our veterans and current Service people. Together with our nationwide set of public events and education initiatives, the RAF100 Appeal will help to ensure that we have a legacy which will take us beyond 2018 and long into our second century”.
All stories