RBLI RECEIVES SPONSORSHIP FROM BAE SYSTEMS FOR ITS ANNUAL THE GREAT TOMMY SLEEP OUT

Royal British Legion Industries is proud to announce that it has received £30,000 from BAE Systems, the global defence, security, and aerospace company, for sponsorship of its annual The Great Tommy Sleep Out.

RBLI’s The Great Tommy Sleep Out takes place in March each year when individuals, groups, and communities across the UK sleep out for one night or more to raise awareness of the issue of veteran homelessness, drawing attention to the fact that there are an estimated 6,000 homeless veterans in the UK.

Speaking of the sponsorship from BAE Systems, Lisa Farmer, RBLI’s Chief Executive said, “On behalf of the veterans we support across the UK, I want to thank BAE Systems for sponsoring The Great Tommy Sleep Out. Their unwavering support demonstrates incredible commitment to making a meaningful impact on the lives of the men and women who have served our country, only to find themselves without a home when they leave the Armed Forces. This sponsorship will help us in our work to enable homeless veterans to build a brighter future for themselves.”

RBLI’s The Great Tommy Sleep Out is a fundraising challenge that is designed to support ex-service personnel who find themselves without a roof over their head People who take part sleep outside for as many nights as they want to, in a tent or directly beneath the stars. As everyone has different abilities it’s up to the person or people taking part to pick their location, plan their night sleeping out and fundraise to help RBLI in its work with the most vulnerable veterans.

Gabby Costigan, Group Managing Director Business Development, BAE Systems, said: “We owe so much to our veteran community and it’s deeply saddening to see so many of them without homes of their own. We’re proud to support The Great Tommy Sleep Out and the wider work of RBLI to ensure we do all we can for those who served their country. I encourage everyone to sign up and get out there in March to raise as much funding as possible for this important charity.”

RBLI can move homeless veterans into their emergency accommodation within 24 hours of referral and can offer an established pathway with housing providers nationwide. This includes The Riverside Group, who as part of Op Fortitude, an initiative from the Office for Veterans’ Affairs, are working together to speed up access to emergency accommodation for homeless veterans in every corner of the UK.

To take part in RBLI’s The Great Tommy Sleep Out go to https://rbli.co.uk/rbli-events/the-great-tommy-sleepout/