An early, early Christmas present for soldiers in need

Every year for more than ten years, Aspire Defence has been a proud sponsor of ABF The Soldier’s Charity’s festive fundraiser – the Early Early Christmas Fair (EECF).

Photo: Allan Thomson, Chief Executive of Aspire Defence Limited, presenting the £5,000 cheque at the ABF Early Early Christmas Fair 2016

Sponsored by Aspire Defence Limited and Aspire Defence Services Limited, last year’s event raised an impressive £32,000 in aid of the national charity of the British Army.

Each autumn, the EECF in Tidworth offers shoppers a chance to get ahead with their Christmas shopping and pick up some unique festive gifts, from home wares and novelty items to clothing and locally-made produce.

As one of the main sponsors of the event, Aspire Defence donated £5,000, sold raffle tickets on the Garrisons and covered printing costs for promotional materials.

Caroline Cary, Fair organiser, said:

“I would just like to say thank you to everyone who came and supported this event – to our dedicated volunteers, all the shoppers, stallholders, our two wonderful Chelsea Pensioners and to everyone involved in the event, without whom this could never take place with the success it currently enjoys.  In particular, I would like to thank our long term sponsors, General Dynamics and Aspire Defence and, new this year Knight Frank, all of whose notable generosity make it all possible.”

Presenting the sponsorship cheque on behalf of ADL and ADSL, Allan Thomson, Chief Executive of Aspire Defence, said:

“We’re proud to be a long-running sponsor of this fantastic event in support of such an excellent cause.  Congratulations to the organisers on yet another successful Fair.”

Proceeds from the Fair help ABF, the Soldier’s Charity to deliver vital support to soldiers, veterans and their families.