Big Salute - Big Friday - 21st May

Why Big Salute?

Because it's about respect, pride and looking after our own Forces community.

What is it?

It's the BFBS Forces Fundraiser!

For many years, BFBS Radio has supported Wireless for The Blind (WFTB) and many of you will have got involved with fundraising events, charity auctions, organising balls, sponsored walks and all manner of mayhem. In December 2007 we had our last big push for WFTB, as we decided we should support our own British Forces community from 2008 onwards.

When is it?

This year the Big Salute will be running on BFBS (Radio) in two phases.

Firstly, across the the UK, you'll be able to hear our Big Salute special fundraising day on Friday 21st May from 0700-1900. You'll have the chance to bid for a great selection of unique items. These will be hosted on Ebay to allow bidding from anywhere in the world. So make sure you join us on DAB digital radio on the day - and, of course, you'll be able to listen online too.

Secondly our BFBS stations overseas will all be hosting a Big Salute day themselves - you'll hear details of times and dates on your local station. And, once again, you'll have the chance to get yourselves some exciting stuff.

We'd love you to join us - and help make the Big Salute the success that our British Forces deserve.

Who are we helping?

We've selected Six Forces charities to be the beneficiaries of the BFBS Big Salute to show our respect, admiration and support for those who have served their country and been seriously injured or carry other less visible scars:

• BLESMA, British Limbless Ex-Service Men's Association
• Combat Stress
• Headley Court
• St Dunstan's
• Veterans' Aid
• Help For Heroes

Click on any of the links above to go to the website and find out more about what each organisation does.

Who can get involved?

Everyone! Individuals, units, Forces schools, friends and family throughout the world.

What can I do?

Watch this space - and listen out for more info on BFBS TV and Radio. You can buy wristbands here, or from your local radio station.  Limited edition t-shirts can also be bought here or from you local radio station although be quick... once they're gone they're gone!

You can donate online, and maybe start thinking about organising a Bite The Boss day, a Shear-a-Thong, a Wrong Trousers day, a manicure morning or an afternoon tea. Could your unit put on a day of tandem skydives or tank-driving, even! If you've got access to aircraft or tanks...

We'd also like to know what you've done and see pics so email us at bigsalute@bfbs.com

What's on where?

If you organise a fundraising event, you can advertise here too, to make sure you get as many people along as possible. Just contact us. We may just send a BFBS TV crew or Radio reporter along to cover it.

Can I post a donation?

Yes! Click here to download a donation form which will enable us to claim gift aid if you are a UK tax payer.  Then send along with your cheque to Big Salute, BFBS TV, BFPO 785.

Why Does it say SSVC is the Charity when I donate?

Don't worry!  100% of money donated and raised will be going to the 6 Big Salute Charities.  The Big Salute is an event run by SSVC which is a registered charity.  And SSVC as you will know is the parent organisation to BFBS TV, Radio & CSE.