Staff from Logistics UK, based in Tunbridge Wells, volunteered to swap their warm comfy beds for a hard floor and sleeping bag last night (Tuesday 21 March), to raise crucial funds for the country’s most vulnerable veterans.
The group took part in the Great Tommy Sleep Out challenge, where participants sleep outside for one night during the month of March to raise money for Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI).
The RBLI is a Kent based charity that supports veterans through multiple services when they leave the army.
A group of fifteen Logistics UK staff, led by Director of Operations Chris Lipscomb (a former member of the armed forces), camped out in the car park last night at the business group’s headquarters in Tunbridge Wells.
Other members of staff across the country also have taken part in the Great Tommy Sleep Out Challenge by camping out in their own gardens for a night of their choosing.
In addition to the Sleep Out, bakers from across Logistics UK donned their aprons to produce sweet treats and cakes to sell to staff to raise extra funds for the charity and provide a well-deserved boost to the participants of the Great Tommy Sleep Out Challenge.
I understand that many veterans may struggle with the return to civilian life, which, in some cases, can result in homelessness. As a veteran myself, the welfare of my fellow former Armed Forces members is very important to me.
It is vital efficient support mechanisms are widely accessible and I am therefore extremely proud that Logistics UK is supporting RBLI.
Additionally, the logistics sector provides a wealth of opportunities for those who have formally served – there are currently many veterans employed in the UK logistics industry – and I would urge anybody looking for employment to visit www.generationlogistics.org to find out more about industry and its potential opportunities.
Chris Lipscomb, Director of Operations at Logistics UK
Every penny raised by the campaign will go directly to RBLI’s wide range of services which include emergency housing, mental health resources, welfare and employment support to military veterans.
RBLI, which is a separate charity from the Royal British Legion, provides a home to more than 300 veterans and their families through its Kent village, including homeless veterans through its emergency accommodation at Mountbatten Pavilion.
Veterans are provided with a tailored welfare support programme to help them regain their independence and overcome challenges caused by physical or mental disability, drug or alcohol dependency, and unemployment.
To support the Logistics UK fundraising effort, visit the Logistics UK website here.
Further information on the vital work RBLI does to support the nation’s heroes can be found at the RBLI website here.
