Grants awarded by the Veterans’ Foundation to a golfing charity help wounded, injured or sick former servicemen and women to recover and get back into the swing of civilian life.
The Veterans’ Foundation has awarded On Course Foundation a grant of £16,500 to help fund the operating salary for a part-time operations assistant for the next year.
It is the latest in a series of grants totalling more than £105,000 given to On Course Foundation since 2019 by The Veterans’ Foundation, which raises funds through its Veterans’ Lottery to help charities provide vital assistance to the armed forces’ community.
These grants have helped more than 100 veterans transition into paid employment within the sport, including roles as green keepers, club managers, marshals and retail positions in club shops.
Others have benefited through increased confidence, therapy and recouperation through the sport, and the companionship it can afford.
One such beneficiary is former Royal Marine, Ian Bishop, (pictured) who took up golf when he was medically discharged after losing both his legs and some fingers in a bomb blast in Afghanistan in 2010.
Ian now works part time as an events assistant, putting on confidence building events at various clubs around the country.
“Many veterans find the transition into civilian life very difficult, especially if they have been wounded and have life-changing injuries,” said OCF Head of Fundraising, Will Barker.
“We encourage them to give golf a go. It’s a chance to get out in the fresh air, meet other like-minded veterans, hopefully build confidence and to be reminded that they still have an important role to play. Sometimes they love it so much that they want to explore the possibility of a career in the industry and we are able to support this.”
Veterans’ Foundation Grants Manager, Sarah Kelling, said: “It has long been recognised that sport provides tangible benefits to everyone, regardless of physical fitness, age or ability.”
“On Course Foundation provides more than just a sporting opportunity, however, and helping veterans get their confidence back is worthwhile in itself but getting them into employment is something to be celebrated, so we are delighted to be able to support them with another grant to keep up their good work.”
