Last year we helped 17,061 beneficiaries - however research undertaken by members of the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League (RCEL) in Commonwealth countries, indicates that this number is likely to remain constant over the next few years as we currently have in the region of 65,000 registered eligible veterans.
The last major fundraising campaign was held in 2002 as The Jubilee Appeal for Commonwealth Veterans. This raised £3 million. The majority of the help given is for basic food and shelter. In some areas RCEL struggles to provide even a minimum level of subsistence being only 20 meals a month. In addition, where possible, it helps with healthcare.
Apart from funding the cost of drugs, optical and dental care, it also funds some prosthetics. In both India and Africa it also now operates a Medical Funds to help lessen the suffering for veterans unable to pay for medication.
In some areas, RCEL has funded Maize Mills, fresh water wells and welfare generating projects, in an endeavour to provide an income to a family so that they are able to look after their veterans. In the case of Maize Mills, monies raised by the milling enables the local organisation to help with the welfare payments.
It is sad that the work of RCEL is necessary. However not all Commonwealth countries on achieving independence chose to recognise the role that so many played in establishing and preserving peace in the World. In all some five million men and women from the Commonwealth volunteered to give up their youth to fight alongside Britain and the Allies. It is for these brave people that we now campaign.