The BFBS Big Salute has raised more than £27,000 since April this year, thanks to the generosity of fundraisers in the forces community and supporters around the globe…
The 10-hour Big Salute on-air and online auction on Friday 7th October was broadcast on Forces Radio stations worldwide and added vital funds to the total. Big ticket items included a VIP trip around Pinewood Studios, a meet-and-greet with Andy McNab, and a tandem skydive with the Army Parachute Association.
And the annual Big Salute campaign is now set for a big change in the way funds are donated to forces charities.
Nicky Ness, Controller of BFBS Radio, said: “Since the Big Salute was established in 2007 we’ve donated funds to five core charities, but we’ve had lots of forces charities asking us how they can benefit. We’ve decided to change the format, and will now invite grant-based applications for specific projects so that we can see exactly where the money is being spent.
"We’ll also be appointing a panel to decide where the funds will be allocated. We hope that this will breed understanding – both for the charities and future fundraisers – and we feel that people will really appreciate the detail.”
Information about how forces charities can apply for grants from the Big Salute will be publicised in early 2017.
If you missed the 2016 Big Salute auction, you can still show your support by organising your own fundraising event. For more ideas go online towww.justgiving.com/bigsalute where you can also make a cash donation or buy a wristband.