Cammell Laird, the UK’s leading shipbuilder, has named The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust (RNBT) as its Charity of the Year.
The announcement comes during Armed Forces Day 2021 and is a reflection of Cammell Laird’s proud history of supporting the Armed Forces and the Royal Navy in particular, both during times of war and in peacetime.
Range of different ways
A further compelling reason for the choice is that many of Cammell Laird’s current employees are former service personnel.
The company is now asking all its employees to consider a range of different ways they can raise money for the Trust, from sponsored events such as sporting challenges, to cake bakes and jumper days.
RNBT’s ambitious project
RNBT’s ambitious project to build a new purpose-built care home for veterans of the Royal Navy
All the money raised by Cammell Laird will be donated to the RNBT’s ambitious project to build a new purpose-built care home for veterans of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines. The Trust has set a fundraising target of £2 million.
Work is already underway on Admiral Jellicoe House, which is the centrepiece of the Trust’s centenary year, and is on track for practical completion in the spring of 2022.
Announcement of Cammell Laird’s support
David McGinley, Chief Executive Officer of Cammell Laird Ship Repairers and Shipbuilders and Atlantic & Peninsula Marine Services, said: “We are delighted to make this announcement of Cammell Laird’s support of the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust during Armed Forces Day 2021."
“We are immensely proud of our role in supporting the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary by maintaining their fleet here in the UK and whilst in operational theatre across the globe so it seems the perfect fit for us to get behind such a worthwhile project as the creation of Admiral Jellicoe House.”
Addition to RNBT’s ability
Mr McGinley added: “I am encouraging as many of our employees as possible to get involved in a variety of fundraising initiatives over the next 12 months so we can make a positive contribution towards the Admiral Jellicoe House project.”
Commander Rob Bosshardt, Chief Executive of the RNBT, said: “We are very grateful to receive the support of Cammell Laird and look forward to hearing about the various fundraisers taking place throughout the year. Admiral Jellicoe House will be a significant addition to RNBT’s ability to provide residential, nursing and, for the first time, specialist dementia care for naval veterans."
Transition to later years
Bosshardt added: “As the 21st century progresses, our naval family becomes more diverse and, given the increasing emphasis on mental health, unique challenges posed by generational, social and economic factors, it is more important than ever for us to underpin the transition to later years among those who have given so much for our country and the Royal Navy.”
Cammell Laird has previously demonstrated its support for the Armed Forces community by signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant - a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly.
