Thursday, March 28, 2024
- Advertisement -
Home Projects RBF makes friends with new fundraising initiative to support charity's services

RBF makes friends with new fundraising initiative to support charity’s services

A new way for rail businesses to support the Railway Benefit Fund’s (RBF) vital services is already picking up momentum having attracted its first four ‘friends’.

RBF Friends was launched this spring and brings businesses and the long-standing charity even closer together, by offering a way for RBF to raise funds while giving back to its Friends with a range of benefits.

Abellio Rail Replacement (ARR) and Merseyrail – both huge supporters of the charity and RBF board members – were the first to join the programme.

Advertisement

Ian Jeffrey, Ancillary Services Director Abellio UK, says: “RBF Friends is a great way to get involved and support the brilliant work done by the charity.

“ARR is delighted to be the first company to sign up to RBF Friends and I would encourage my colleagues within the industry to join in with this initiative as soon as possible.”

Jane English, People Director at Merseyrail, says: “We didn’t hesitate in becoming an RBF Friend – a great way for us to continue our support with them and the great work they do for our staff and many others in the industry.”

On a recent #MeetPete roadshow visit in Derby to showcase RBF’s services, charity president and famous record producer Pete Waterman signed up EMR and Porterbrook.

“We’re pleased to announce that we’re now a Friend of the RBF.

“They are a great charity offering advice and support to current and former railway employees and their families with a variety of problems.

“We continue to recognise the importance of our friendship with RBF as it is a special charity for the railway family and is there to help with life’s ups and downs however large or small,” said Gemma Allanson, EMR Head of HR, Operations, Fleet & HSSE.

Rupert Brennan Brown, Porterbrook’s Director of Stakeholder Engagement, added: “We are delighted to have signed up as a Friend of the Railway Benefit Fund.

“RBF offers a fantastic range of support to all the members of Britain’s railway and Porterbrook is proud to have joined the growing number of rail businesses who have become an official friend of this very worthwhile industry charity.”

Becoming an RBF Friend is a new and easy way for any rail organisation or supplier to show support for the UK rail industry’s employees and families who may be experiencing tough times.

Committing to an annual joining fee, for a minimum of three years, gives access to a whole host of services and opportunities offered by RBF, including:

  • A way for companies to compliment and enhance their wellbeing strategy with RBF’s independent and confidential services;
  • Profile in RBF’s nationwide promotional campaign and communications within the rail industry;
  • Receiving an RBF Friends logo for use in internal and external communications and their own logo and company biography in the RBF Friends directory;
  • Priority booking for networking opportunities, including those hosted by Pete Waterman, RBF President;
  • 10% discount when booking onto RBF flagship and annual events.

Pete explains: “Becoming an RBF Friend is so important to our charity and the industry we work in – all train companies and businesses should be showing their support and coming together to ensure we continue to look after and support the people we work with.

“I truly believe that everybody should get involved and am happy to come and see businesses and their employees to demonstrate how important this is through our #MeetPete programme.”

Founded in 1858, RBF is based in Crewe, Cheshire, and supports current or former railway employees and their families.

With an App available for Apple and Android devices, a dedicated telephone hotline and website, the RBF offers a wide range of confidential charitable services which are all easy to access.

Funded entirely by donations, the RBF is solely dedicated to providing help and support to current, former and retired workers in times of need. It focuses on the modern needs and concerns of those working in the industry today, offering advice and financial support.

Visit www.railwaybenefitfund.org.uk follow the charity on Twitter @RBF1858, Facebook @RBFCharity and LinkedIn Railway Benefit Fund. The RBF mobile App is available on the Google Play Store and Apple Store.

  • About RBF: Founded in 1858 and incorporated by Royal Charter in 1949, the Railway Benefit Fund is the rail industry’s charity supporting current or former railway employees and their families. Assistance is provided in many forms, on a short or long-term basis and is specifically tailored to an individual’s situation. The charity, based in Crewe, Cheshire, offers financial assistance, practical help and wide-ranging support, all in the strictest confidence.
image_pdfDownload article

Most Popular

DRS takes delivery of 25 new JNA-Z box wagons from VTG Rail UK

Direct Rail Services (DRS) has taken delivery of a fleet of 25 brand new JNA-Z box wagons from VTG Rail UK, the country’s leading...

SYSTRA employee named one of Planner Magazine’s Women of Influence 2024

The Planner Magazine has selected Jenny Jefferies, Technical Expert - Consents at SYSTRA, as one of its Women of Influence for 2024. Jenny, who is...

ORR review leads to 50 per cent reduction in maximum fees for ticket refunds

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has announced that, thanks to new rules, the maximum fee that train operators and ticket retailers can...

East West Rail to hold drop-in events ahead of statutory consultation

East West Railway Company (EWR) will hold a series of information events in May, helping people to understand how the formal application process to...
- Advertisement -