International Day of Charity

September 5 is International Day of Charity - a reminder of the importance of charity and giving back. 

The International Day of Charity was declared an official event by the UN General Assembly in 2012. 5 September is the selected date as it commemorates the anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa, who worked tirelessly to overcome poverty, distress, and suffering. 

To celebrate this day, we’re highlighting some of the fantastic charities and causes supported by colleagues across Chemring.  

Support for Ukraine 

Since March 2022, Chemring colleagues have pulled together across the organisation to fundraise and donate to support the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, with Chemring matching all money raised. From raffles and bake sales to family fundraisers, donations of specialist equipment and donation drives, colleagues have raised thousands to support those in need affected by the war in Ukraine. 

Veterans and military charities 

Colleagues at Roke support the rehabilitation of wounded, injured and sick service personnel through relationships with charitable organisations and initiatives dedicated to these causes. Their current chosen charity is Mission Motorsport, which supports those affected by military operations by engagement through sport. Most recently, the Roke team supported Mission Motorsport at their summer festival, RokeFest, in June.  

Chemring Countermeasures UK (CCM UK) also supports a veterans’ charity called Alabaré, based local to the facility in Salisbury. Alabaré provides specialist care and support for Armed Forces veterans who are struggling with life outside the military. The team at CCM UK have held several fundraising events for the charity including a month of marathon running, selling ice creams to colleagues during the hot weather and, most recently, taking part in the inaugural Alabaré Christian Care and Support quiz night. 

Chemring Energetic Devices (CED) support the US Marine Corps charity, Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, to help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas. In December, they fill a box with new, unwrapped toys and deliver them to the charity for distribution.  

Through the Women’s Inclusivity Network (WIN@Chemring), the CED team are supporting the charity, Quilts of Valour.  A Quilt of Valour is a quality, handmade quilt that is machine or hand quilted. It is awarded to a Service Member or Veteran who has been touched by war.  The Quilt says unequivocally, “Thank you for your service and sacrifice in serving our nation.” Colleagues across CED are donating fabric and getting involved in cutting, ironing, and sewing to support this worthy charity.  

The WIN@Chemring team at CED is also supporting Habitats for Humanity, an international charity fighting global poverty and homelessness. They are holding an event in October including a women’s build day and a ‘cook a dish’ day. 

Cakes sales for cancer support 

Across the UK businesses, in support of Macmillan Cancer Support, several Macmillan coffee morning events are held every October. Colleagues bring in delicious bakes and treats to sell to raise money. Macmillan Cancer Support is one of the largest British charities and provides specialist health care, information, and financial support to people affected by cancer. 

Other local support 

Chemring Australia is supporting an Australian charity, WRISC, which provides support for all women and children affected by family violence. Through their WIN@Chemring team, they are planning to hold a ‘cook for a cause’ event in which colleagues cook items to sell and raise proceeds for the organisation.  

At Christmas, CED signs up for the Adopt-a-Family scheme. Last year, they supported five local families by donating gifts and gift cards. The CED festive tree was decorated with 49 angels, each representing a gift needed by these families. Donations included an individual gift for each family member as well as some goodies for the family to share.  

Colleagues across Chemring also regularly take on individual challenges for causes special to them with donations often matched by the company.