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?

It started in earnest in 2009 with a live BFBS TV Launch on Saturday 2nd May straight after the Army v Navy rugby.  We be streamed the show live on the web so the UK could watch and join in online.  And we continued throughout the week on BFBS Radio.  But it is a year-long ongoing campaign.  So if you're running a marathon in September, or have a big garrison bash at Christmas, we hope you'll think of raising money for the Big Salute.

And of course, each BFBS Radio station overseas will be having its own Big Salute fundraising week.

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 the UK get involved?

Yes!  Encourage friends and family in the UK to get involved, fundraising and buying and wearing t-shirts and wristbands and of course listen to BFBS Radio on Sky Guide 0211 or on-line...

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 5 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.