The RHA Benevolent Fund, which supports people in hardship, is this year supporting non-members for the first time, in response to the cost-of-living crisis.
The charity, set up in 2000, supports people in times of financial difficulties, including RHA members, their employees past and present, their families, and now anyone connected to the road transport industry. The move comes as people across the UK face increased financial pressures.
Since its formation, the Fund has helped hundreds of people who are facing challenging times, whether due to health concerns, increasing bills or family matters. The Fund has supported people to buy white goods, clothes and much-needed aid equipment. It has also helped people pay back rental arrears, contributed to medical bills, and has funded driver training to get people back into work.
More recently, the Fund has been used to provide food and drinks for drivers stuck in Dover, beds for Ukrainian refugees and in 2023 will sponsor a student’s education, amongst other special cases from outside of RHA’s membership.
This year alone, the Benevolent Fund has provided £32,000 worth of support.
Jim French MBE, RHA Benevolent Fund Chairman, said: “As trustees of the Fund we felt we had a moral responsibility to support our industry through times of hardship and have revised the Fund so we’re able to help non-members who may find themselves in difficult circumstances.
“People in this industry work incredibly hard every single day to keep goods moving and shelves stocked, so we want to make sure they get the support they deserve.
“If you or someone you know could benefit from the Fund, please do get in touch. There’s no shame in asking for help, the process is discreet and can be accessed in complete confidence.”
Elaine Eddey, Macmillan Benefit Adviser at Carlisle & Eden Citizens Advice, said: “The RHA has gone above and beyond our expectations with the support it has provided. The Fund has helped my clients by providing financial support when they have needed it most and has given them some much needed breathing space while benefits are organised.
“When people are dealing with health issues, we find that one of their biggest worries is the drop in income and how they will manage to pay the bills. The RHA’s Benevolent Fund has taken away some of that worry and enables them to concentrate on getting better.”
The Benevolent Fund is mostly financed by member donations and money raised at RHA events.
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