RAF Association’s COVID-19 Bag Drop scheme recognised by the Charity Retail Awards
RAFATRAD, the trading arm of the RAF Association, was highly commended by national industry body, the Charity Retail Association, for its part in the charity’s Project: BAG DROP.
When the pandemic hit, the RAF Association responded quickly to ensure its beneficiaries received the support they needed. It launched Operation Connect, comprising four emergency projects: Helpline, Project OUTREACH, Project ENTERTAIN and Project BAG DROP.
The focus for RAFATRAD each summer is usually selling merchandise at air shows to raise funds for the Association. With these shows cancelled, the warehouse was empty and employees had spare capacity.
Both were used to great effect to support Project BAG DROP. Project BAG DROP provided vital items to vulnerable members of the RAF family, who were unable to shop for themselves. The bags contained scarce items such as toilet roll and soap, as well as tinned goods and tea. They were delivered to people’s homes by volunteers and employees, who maintained the appropriate social distance at all times.
Speaking of the commendation, Dan Greaves, RAFATRAD’s Head of Retail, said:
“Having Project BAG DROP recognised as part of the Charity Retail Awards in the Most Creative Use of Lockdown category provided a real boost to everyone involved in the project.
“As a charity and associated trading arm, we are all used to working hard, but this year has created so many new challenges. I am proud of how we all came together so quickly to create, manage and deliver this vital project, with many people performing roles very different from their ‘normal’ jobs.”
The service supported many people in desperate need, including RAF veteran Ken Topaz and his wife, Shirley.
Shirley was discharged from hospital just as the COVID-19 crisis started. She said:
“As soon as we got home we decided to stay put because, being in our eighties we didn’t want to take any chances with our health. Unfortunately, after a fortnight we ran out of food and other essentials.”
With family and friends either too far away or unable to leave their homes to provide help, the couple sent a plea to the RAF Association and its bag drop service provided the essentials they needed.
Some of the people helped by Project BAG DROP are now receiving additional support from the Association, such as a regular telephone call from a volunteer.
To help the Association continue to support members of the RAF family in need, you can either make a donation, buy an RAF-themed gift for you or loved ones, or join us.
Find out more about the Charity Retail Awards here.
