THE GURKHA WELFARE TRUST – GWT. – Reg Charity No: 1103669
Sheriff Derrick McIntyre has recently taken over as Chairman of The Scottish Branch of the GWT. He is keen to establish a presence in the North and North East of Scotland (Already exists in the East and West of the Central Belt).
How the GWT Operates - Nepal suffers from earthquakes and landslips. There is very little industry and few roads. The environment is harsh - therefore the work of the GWF is essential. The Trust operates 21 centres across Nepal and 1 in India. These are manned by retired Gurkhas who investigate cases of hardship and distress and recommend appropriate aid, which includes Medical aid. (Just like SSAFA). Approx £20 / month, enough to buy basic food is paid to 10,600 needy Gurkha ex-servicemen and their widows (who receive no pension – as only those with 15 years + service are pension able). Hardship grants are awarded to alleviate destitution following fire, flood and other natural disasters. The GWT also helps to fund the education of some 1,500 children / year.
The GWT Remit – The GWT was established in England in 1969 to provide financial, medical and community aid to alleviate hardship and distress among Gurkha ex-servicemen of the British Crown and their dependants after they have returned home to Nepal.
How you can Help – Sheriff Derrick McIntyre is keen to establish a presence in the N & NE of Scotland and is looking for a good soul, who has an interest in the plight of the Gurkhas to organise and run fund raising events throughout the year as appropriate. The MOD and every serving Gurkha officer and soldier pay into the fund through the Day’s Pay Scheme. The GWT however still needs to raise £3m / year to meet current commitments. (£240 sponsors a veteran for a whole year).
If you are interested in supporting the GWT and Sheriff Derrick McIntyre then you can contact him by e-mail as follows; sheriff.dmcintyre@scotcourts.gov.uk
The GWT Website is; www.gwt.org.uk
You can write to; The GWT, PO Box 2170, 22 Queens Street, Salisbury, SP2 2EX
or phone; 01722 323955.