This Commonwealth Day, we’re recognising the invaluable work that the OABF carries out across 8 overseas countries in the Commonwealth. 

An annual celebration observed by people all over the Commonwealth in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Americas, the Pacific and Europe; Commonwealth Day 2023, marks the tenth anniversary of the signing of the Commonwealth Charter by Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, on 11 March 2013.  It is also the first since Her Majesty’s passing, and the first presided over by His Majesty King Charles III as King and Head of the Commonwealth.

At the OABF, we’re proud to support many former Officers and their families based in 8 Commonwealth countries overseas. Zimbabwe is home to the majority of the OABF’s beneficiaries.  Many of the people we support are in their 80s and 90s and most are now widows with very little to no income of their own.  The grants we provide go towards the cost of food, medical aid, other day-to-day living costs, as well as supporting some individuals in Care Homes in Zimbabwe.

The OABF works in partnership with the Royal Commonwealth Ex-services League to deliver support on the ground, ensuring that the right help reaches those who need it the most.  We receive annual reports and updates on how our beneficiaries are getting on – invaluable information that ensures we continue to provide the correct support.  Our aim is to continue to help former Officers and their families wherever they may be and for as long as support is needed.

Tim Burt (Controller – Welfare Grants)  at the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League says “ The OABF does a great job to support their beneficiaries in the Commonwealth.  The Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League distributes the OABF’s essential grants to those who, usually in their later years, find themselves without the means to get by, not to buy life’s luxuries but the daily essentials.  In recent years inflation and cost of living have dramatically increased especially in the developing nations of the Commonwealth and this, more than ever, is where the OABF’s assistance has greatest impact.  The OABF makes a difference every day.”

Here is a small selection of some of the thank you notes the OABF receives from its beneficiaries in the Commonwealth countries overseas.  We’d like to say a huge thank you to the team at the OABF and to all the donors, partners and OABF supporters who make it possible for us to continue to deliver this invaluable support across the globe.

“I am so very grateful to you indeed for all your tremendous help now and previously. Without it I don’t know what I would do or have done”
Mrs B Zimbabwe

“I have always felt so privileged to be able to rely on your kindness and help to me over the years, and I believe you must know by now how grateful I am for it, and how I hope it may continue.”
Mrs S  Zimbabwe

“That is so very kind of you – thank you from the bottom of my heart!

In fact, I am lost for words.  I had no idea that you were trying to help me in this way – and I appreciate your efforts for me hugely”