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HW MARTIN DIRECTOR RAISES >£5K FOR HOMELESS VETERANS

David Shaw, Director at HW Martin (Traffic Management) Ltd took part in the Great Tommy Sleep Out, a fundraising challenge set by Royal British Legion Industries’ Chairman, Steve Rowbottom.

HW MARTIN DIRECTOR RAISES >£5K FOR HOMELESS VETERANS

31/03/2023

David Shaw, Director at HW Martin (Traffic Management) Ltd took part in the Great Tommy Sleep Out, a fundraising challenge set by Royal British Legion Industries’ Chairman, Steve Rowbottom.

The challenge supported the estimated 6,000 veterans currently facing homelessness in the UK.

The Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) is a charity dedicated to helping the country’s most vulnerable veterans. They have recently seen a 45% increase in demand for their services for homeless veterans in response to the cost-of-living crisis and global pandemic.

David joined influential business leaders from across the highways industry on 23rd March at Fort Amherst in Chatham, Kent, replicating the deplorable sleeping conditions of many of our Nation’s heroes under the stars.

Thirty business leaders supported the event. They built shelters, heard from some incredible veterans sharing their stories, and ended the night with a ghost tour of Fort Amherst with Ghost Hunt Events.

David has contributed £5210 to the total £30,000 raised, providing emergency accommodation, emergency supplies, welfare services and life-changing employability projects to change the lives of vulnerable veterans across the country.

David Shaw, Director of HW Martin (Traffic Management) Ltd, said:

“The cost-of-living crisis is having a huge impact on veterans, particularly young, single males who struggle to access social housing. Many find themselves on the street, unable to find employment as they have no fixed address; eventually succumbing to financial troubles and serious mental health issues.

It was an eye-opening experience for David and the other volunteers. David enjoys a night under the stars, and is no stranger to hard graft, but completing this challenge, in the testing weather conditions, with the thought that some of our bravest souls experience this every night was, at times, overwhelming.

He adds:

“Thank you to everyone who has donated to this worthy cause so far, your funds will ensure RBLI can provide safe, warm housing for those in need. I am grateful for this opportunity to raise awareness of the reality of veteran homelessness.”