Swiss watchmaker Breitling was recognised for its support of the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund at the charity’s annual awards ceremony last night.
Breitling walked away with the award for ‘Cause-Related Marketing Activity of the Year’ as the brand was honoured for raising significant funds in 2015 through the creation of a 75 piece limited edition series, featuring its iconic Navitimer pilot’s wristwatch, in tribute to the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
A donation of 10% of sales of the limited edition collectors timepieces were donated to the RAF Benevolent Fund, the RAF’s leading welfare charity providing financial, practical and emotional support to all members of the RAF.
In addition, Breitling donated timepiece number 1/75 at the charity’s Battle of Britain anniversary gala dinner last September, which raised £16,000 at auction for the cause.
Monies raised by the partnership contributed to two new seaside apartments, providing welfare breaks for RAF personnel and veterans, at its respite care home Princess Marina House on the South coast.
On accepting the award, Gavin Murphy, managing director of Breitling UK, said: “The 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain was a significant milestone that we wanted to commemorate, one of the last remaining opportunities to commemorate with the Few. It seemed a natural fit to work with the Benevolent Fund on this project as they are at the very heart of the RAF.
“We are proud of our continued partnership with the RAFBF, who provide invaluable support to World War II veterans and importantly to current serving members of the RAF who uphold the legacy for the Few.”
The ceremony, which was sponsored by Lockheed Martin, was held at the Victory Services Club in London. The award was presented by Lawrie Haynes, chairman of the RAF Benevolent Fund.
Mike Neville, RAF benevolent fund director of strategy and fundraising, added: “It has been the RAF Benevolent Fund’s privilege to assist Battle of Britain veterans and their families for the past 75 years and we are so grateful to Breitling for their creation of this beautiful watch and generous support of the Fund. Their assistance helps us continue in our mission of repaying ‘the debt we owe’ to those who served and those who secure our skies today.”
