Grant Updates

DIO D-Day cycle to boost Veterans' Foundation funds

September 09 2024

The Veterans’ Foundation has been chosen by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) as part of its #DIOGivingBack initiative. 

DIO has pledged to raise funds for the Veterans’ Foundation and has already kicked-off with several events. The next is a four-day cycle tour of Normandy to mark the 80th  anniversary this year of the D-Day landings. 

The cycle is led by DIO Chief Executive, Mike Green, and will take in historic sites relating to the D-Day landings in northern France in 1944.  The heart of this initiative is to give back and Mike, as a seasoned cyclist, is giving his free time and turned his holiday in France into a fundraising opportunity.  

He will be joined by other leading figures from DIO’s industry partners to raise funds to help the Veterans’ Foundation support the armed forces community by awarding much needed grants to veterans’ charities and support organisations. 

The DIO is the estate expert for defence, supporting the armed forces to enable military capability by planning, building, maintaining, and servicing infrastructure to live, work, train and deploy. 
 
The team comprises around 15 leaders from its corporate partners, including engineering firms, procurement, technical and other services. 

“The journey will be both a moving and poignant experience for all involved, and we are delighted that the funds raised will enable the Veterans’ Foundation to continue its crucial work helping current personnel, veterans, and their families,” said Mike. 

“We are also grateful for the support from our industry partners in this initiative both through sponsorship and for taking part in the cycling team on this intense four-day challenge.” 

Veterans’ Foundation Head of Fundraising, Sarah Elliott, said: “We are tremendously grateful for the support of the DIO through this corporate partnership. 

“There is natural synergy between our two organisations, and it is wonderful to know that our work with the armed forces’ community is acknowledged and appreciated and will be the focus for the DIO. We and our armed forces family thank DIO’s people from the bottom of our hearts.” 

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