An action-packed month is well under way for the Moray fundraisers of the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund (RAFBF) as they mark the 96th anniversary of the RAF.
A gate collection at RAF Lossiemouth kicked off events earlier this week when those arriving or leaving the Moray base were ‘ambushed’ – and happily paid up £360.
Next weekend it will be the turn of football fans arriving to take in Elgin City’s home match against Berwick Rangers. With long standing and very strong links to the RAF both in terms of supporters and players, it is hoped that arriving fans will be equally generous.
Throughout the month anyone stopping by the popular Fochabers Ice Cream Parlour can also select a new RAF-themed treat – with part of the proceeds being donated by owner Sheila Gray to the RAFBF.
For those with a liking for fine dining there is a ‘Temple Chef’ nigh blending the delights of ‘Pampered Chef’ cooking demonstrations with the soothing Temple Spa treatments.
Fundraising volunteer Karen Cox said: “The RAF community is an integral part of Lossiemouth and it just makes sense to celebrate its 96th birthday by inviting both air force families and the local community to join in the fun.
“We really appreciate the support we’ve received from local businesses, such as Fochabers Ice Cream Parlour and local consultants for Temple Spa and Neal’s Yard donating a percentage of their party sales and raffle proceeds during April to the RAFBF.”
Highlighting the work of the RAFBF around the country, Mike Neville, Director of Fundraising for the charity, said: “Few people realise the extent of the work the RAFBF does.
“Each year we spend over £20 million supporting just short of 70,000 members of the RAF family, which includes serving and former RAF personnel and their families.
“Without the funds raised by our supporters, up and down the country, we simply could not deliver the wide range of services and support we do.”
Events planned in Moray this month include:
- Have a sweet tooth? Stop by Fochabers Ice Cream Parlour throughout the month and try the RAF-themed ice cream. Owner Sheila Gray will be donating the proceeds.
- Over-indulged on ice cream? Join the Zumbathon on 6th April at The Owl’s Hoot and raise funds while burning calories.
- Football fan? Look out for the volunteers collecting at an upcoming Elgin City FC home game.
- Need to entertain the kids this during the school holidays? Donate £1 to join the Easter Animal Hunt and get out and about around Lossiemouth. RAF Lossiemouth Childcare Centre, which was funded by the RAF Benevolent Fund, has also planned a number of activities.
- More of a home body? How about “Temple Chef” night, which blends the delights of Pampered Chef cooking demonstrations with soothing Temple Spa treatments.
For more information about the events please contact Karen Cox at 01343 813999 or by email to teamrafbflossiemouth@gmail.com.