Service charity ABF turns 70

On the event of its 70th birthday, ABF The Soldiers' charity has pledged that its work will carry on for as long as people connected to the army need its support.

In an August 15th statement, chief of staff at the charity, Brigadier (Rtd) Robin Bacon, said: "We will be here for the next 70 years and beyond, as long as our support is needed from those in the Army family."

The charity gives help to soldiers – serving as well as veteran – and their relatives. It was first made the national charity of the Army in 1944.

The Brigadier said that, as it marks 70 years, the charity can survey the help it has given to soldiers and their relatives during the seven decades and note one consistent fact: "the need".

"In 1944, when the Charity was formed, the aim was to help those in real need, and that is still the same today," he explained.

Wars come and go, but the charity is a constant presence to support people facing a range of things from financial issues to mental health issues, he explained.

"Whether it's a World War Two veteran, someone who has done National Service, or a serving soldier today, they have all done their duty. We are the Army's national charity, and we have a duty of care to them," he said.

ABF The Soldiers' Charity is behind the yearly Red, White and Blue Day, which it organises with the help of fellow service charities The RAF Benevolent Fund and The Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity.

The occasion is set for October 10th this year, and will, help bring in money for the charities.

School pupils will give a one pound donation and wear white, blue and red clothing, as one of the activities in the campaign.  

More than 185 schools took part in 2013 and between them gathered more than £40,000 for charity.