THE TAXI CHARITY
Alec Borrie is a beneficiary of an award-winning charity that provides free transportation and events for military veterans
The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans aims to help military veterans of all conflicts by providing entertainment, outings and specialised equipment. They offer international trips to the Netherlands, Belgium and France, day trips to concerts, museums and catch-up events with friends and comrades. The veterans are transported by volunteer London taxi drivers who willingly provide their time and vehicles to provide free transportation.
To fund and facilitate these endeavours, the charity is wholly reliant on donations from members of the public, businesses and trusts. On 2 June 2021, the Taxi Charity was awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS), which is the MBE for volunteer groups and is awarded for life.
Alec Borrie is one veteran the charity has been able to help by assisting his own volunteer work speaking to schoolchildren about his wartime experiences, “They find me work to do! They started me off doing work with schoolchildren who were doing WWII projects. We’ve also had some nice dinners, although we haven’t been able to do anything for almost two years now [because of the COVID-19 pandemic]. However, we went to the arboretum a few weeks back for a D-day ceremony and they also provide me with a free tab to go to hospitals. They’re a good organisation and are trying to start a few more things again.”
Speaking about the recent QAVS award, Ian Parsons, Chairman of the Taxi Charity, has said, “This is a very proud moment for the Taxi Charity and the London black cab trade. The COVID pandemic has been a uniquely challenging period and I’m glad our response provided comfort to our veterans, especially those living alone and feeling isolated. I would like to thank all our volunteers who have worked so hard and whose efforts helped us win this prestigious award.” For more information visit: www.taxicharity.org