Vitax grows soldier charity fund
Published: 26 November 2019 - John King
Pictured (left to right): Kate Billingham Wilson – head of partnerships at ABF The Soldiers’ Charity; Paul Gooding – Vitax’s chairman and Mark Butler, national sales manager at Vitax
The sale of one of Vitax’s leading gardening products has helped to grow the funds of a national charity by over £11,000.
ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, have been supported by horticulture partner, Vitax, for the past two years. The charity provides a lifetime of support to soldiers, veterans and their families in times of need.
The funds have been raised through the sale of Q4 fertiliser, popular with both professional and amateur gardeners; 20p for every 2.5kg special pack sold goes to the charity. The Soldiers’ Charity received the donation at a presentation at Wellington Barracks in London during the Queen’s Guard mounting parade.
Commenting on the partnership, Paul Gooding, Vitax’s chairman, says: “It’s 75 years since The Soldiers’ Charity first started and since its inception it has helped thousands of British Army families in need.
“Vitax is honoured to partner with the charity and since we joined forces we have raised over £21,000 during the two year partnership. Q4 fertiliser is one of our most popular products and over the past 12 months we have sold more promotional packs than the previous year, which is fantastic.
“The garden centres and other retail outlets have been hugely supportive, as it's not just about raising funds, but also raising awareness.”
As part of the presentation, lieutenant colonel Tim Coles MBE, London regional director for The Soldiers’ Charity, hosted a lunch in the Officers Mess at Wellington Barracks, as well as taking the visitors on a tour of the barracks.
Kate Billingham Wilson, head of partnerships at the charity was on hand to receive the cheque and says: “Vitax have been a fantastic partner and we are truly grateful to everyone who purchased Q4 to raise over £11,000.
“This donation will make a huge difference to the families and individuals who need our support and without partners like Vitax we would not be able to continue the work we do.”
Established in 1944, The Soldiers’ Charity is the national charity of the British Army. The charity’s vision is that all serving soldiers, veterans and their families should have the opportunity to avoid hardship and enjoy independence and dignity.
www.soldierscharity.org