The Benevolent Society, a charitable organisation which celebrated its centenary last year, is reminding those in the gift industry – retailers, suppliers, reps and agents – in need of financial assistance, such as retirees, or those with ill health, that help is available.
Services include regular grants; providing essential items such as cookers, fridges, freezers, bed linen and TV license fees. In some instances, interest free loans are granted, as well as bursaries to help those starting out, or progressing their career journey, with their studies.
Speaking at the Benevolent Society’s centenary Ball last December, Gay Penfold, chair of The Benevolent Society), explained: “Founded in 1924, the Leathergoods Association was the UK’s very first trade association. It subsequently joined with the former British Jewellery and Giftware Federation Benevolent Fund, and today, thanks to the incorporation of several trades federations, we have become The Benevolent Society which is the charitable society of the British Allied Trades Federation (BATF).
Points out Gay: “Back in 1924 there was no welfare state – no pensions – and certainly no works pensions – no social security and no NHS. These have all been introduced over the years.
“We all know that over the past few years we have endured some challenging times. Many who apply to us are struggling to make ends meet either in their retirement or because of ill health. We currently have 42 beneficiaries who receive monthly support for their essential living costs. In addition, they will each receive an extra £300 throughout the coldest months of the year to help with increased utility costs.”
Continued Gay: “Since 2016, we have also been supporting individuals starting or progressing their career journeys by providing bursaries to deserving candidates wishing to enhance their careers, retrain and pursue new avenues of professional development. In the past nine years we have granted 90 bursaries to 90 individuals totalling over £307,000.
“We are very grateful for the significant additional support we have received from The Goldsmiths’ Foundation, the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), Birmingham Assay Office and Beaverbrooks. This is in addition to the support from individuals and companies within the British Allied Trades Federation (BATF), who regularly contribute through frequent annual donations or by adding a discretionary percentage to their membership fees.
Confirmed Gay: “In 2024 to date, there have been over £154,000 in regular beneficiary payments, cost of living support grants, one-off grants for items such as white goods, disability aids, and essential home repairs. We are indebted to all the people, companies, trustees, sponsors and supporters who have worked to support those in need in our industries now and over the past 100 years. We cannot do what we do without the support of each and every member of each and every BATF Association.”
In addition to the giftware industry, the Benevolent Society also supports individuals who have worked within the Jewellery, surface engineering, travel goods and fashion accessories industries.
Contact Laura Banner at the Benevolent Society on 07985 611 209.
Top: The Benevolent Society is a charitable organisation able to help people in the gift space as well as in other allied trades.
