LOOK out for members of the Penarth Branch of the RAF Association, who will be collecting for the charity’s Wings Appeal on Friday, September 19 and Saturday, September 20 in Penarth town centre.

The Wings Appeal is the RAF Association’s fundraising campaign that runs throughout the year.

It helps raise the vital funds needed to support serving and ex-RAF personnel and their families, whenever they are need.

Whether it’s an injured airman fighting to get back onto his feet, a young child missing their parent away on overseas operations or a WWII veteran needing a shoulder to lean on, the Association is here to help.

Tich Taylor, branch chairman, said: “You can recognise Wings Appeal fundraising by the wing emblem used on all our material.

"Wherever you see the wing it means that the funds raised go towards helping members of the RAF family in need in our area.”

Since its beginnings in 1951, fundraising for the Wings Appeal was initially centred on the Battle of Britain week (Wings Week), however, over time, fundraising methods have diversified and fundraising has become an activity that spreads throughout the year.

As the RAF Association does not receive any government funding, it is dependent on the generosity of the public and the selfless hard work of its volunteers who help raise vital funds for the Wings Appeal.

The volunteer fundraisers come in many forms; including RAF Association Branch members, members of the serving RAF, ATC cadets, employees of companies who support us and individual members of the public.

The types of activity which our volunteers undertake include:

•Holding charity collections in town centres, supermarkets and other public venues

•Placing collecting tins in public places

•Holding a ‘Brew for the Few’ tea parties

•Running Name Me Claim Me Teddy Bear competitions

•Manning stalls at public events such as air shows and church fairs

•Sponsored challenge events

•Promoting the Wings Lotto Grand Draw & Wings Lotto weekly competitions

The Association is immensely grateful to all its volunteers for their commitment to helping the RAF family.

About the Royal Air Forces Association

Whether it’s an injured airman fighting to get back on his feet, a young child missing their parent away on overseas operations, or a WWII veteran needing a shoulder to lean on, the Royal Air Forces Association is here to help all generations of RAF Service personnel and their families.

We offer welfare and family support, much-needed breaks, pension and compensation guidance as well as individual support to help injured personnel realise their potential.

The RAF Association receives no government funding and depends entirely on the generosity of the general public.

Find out more at www.rafa.org.uk