FirstLight Trust is delighted to announce a further £5,000 donation from Annington Homes, the company which gives new purpose to former Army, Royal Navy and Royal Airforce homes…
In 2016 the business donated £10,000. FirstLight Trust helps former members of the Armed Forces adjust to civilian life through drop-in centres, financial and emotional support.
“We’re overwhelmed by Annington’s generous donation,” says Dorinda Wolfe Murray of FirstLight Trust. “It’s very timely as we’ve just opened a charity café for veterans and the public in Gosport, to add to our Redcar and Scarborough hubs,” adds Dorinda. “Many ex-military can feel socially isolated, even lonely, so our coffee bars offer a great place to socialise. Every penny from Annington will go towards helping break down barriers so veterans and their families get the help they need.”
Annington acquired nearly 60,000 homes from the Ministry of Defence in 1996, leasing them back to the MOD. When the MOD decide homes are surplus to requirements, they are handed back to Annington who regenerate the houses and return them to the housing market. They improve the appearance of streets and exteriors, upgrade facilities and then price them competitively to offer value for money. The company even offers a ‘28 Day Seal of Approval’ for total peace of mind. So far they’ve helped 17,000 homebuyers, many of whom were first time buyers and key workers.
“Many ex-military benefit from getting on the housing ladder by buying an Annington property,” explains Dorinda. “When we approached them about helping veterans, they couldn’t have been more helpful. To raise even more for us, there is a team of five from Annington walking the 25 km of Thames Bridges Trek on 9 September."
If you’d like to encourage them, you can donate online atwww.justgiving.com/fundraising/Annington092017