Funds raised by The April Fools Club support welfare breaks for RAF families

The RAF Benevolent Fund recently purchased a property that members of the RAF Family can now book for welfare breaks. This wouldn't have been possible without the generosity of The April Fools Club, who raised over £250,000 in 2017/2018 through various events commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Dambusters raid, some of which was put towards the cost of this property. In recognition of their efforts, The April Fools Club were named Fundraising Team of the Year at the Fund’s annual awards ceremony in 2019.

The April Fools Club is a group of former and serving RAF personnel, businesspeople, and supporters of the Royal Air Force. Taking its name from the formation date of the RAF – and formed on the same day in 2008 – the club has three key aims: to develop employment opportunities for former RAF personnel; to build an understanding of air power and wider defence; and to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund.

John Fay, Co-Founder of The April Fools Club and Managing Partner at DeltaV Partners, said: "Since The April Fools Club's formation on 1 April 2008, we are proud to have worked closely with the RAF Benevolent Fund by raising significant funds for life-changing projects across the UK, from reaching out to find RAF Family members in hard to reach communities to helping those families based on stations. 

"We are delighted that this support includes the purchase of this exciting new property in Bridlington, continuing our legacy of providing vital respite for serving personnel, veterans and their families, away from the unique challenges they face. We believe that no one who has worn the uniform for this country and put themselves in harm's way should ever face adversity alone." 

The Fund's new property, located in the seaside town Bridlington in the East Riding of Yorkshire, is a modern, detached bungalow that sleeps eight. Ideal for families, the property boasts a large, open-plan kitchen/dining/sitting room with a separate lounge in addition to four bedrooms and four bathrooms. The property is located just 15 minutes' walk from the town centre with a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions.  

Hannah Bower, Senior Manager, High Level Giving at the RAF Benevolent Fund said: "The April Fools Club have supported the Fund for several years now and they have been unwavering in their dedication and commitment to our cause. By raising funds towards the cost of this property, The April Fools Club have enabled us to continue supporting members of the RAF Family through welfare breaks, a much-needed service for those needing some respite away from the pressures of their everyday life."