Donations are urgently needed to support the continuing work of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s Benevolent Fund, which exists to provide help to distressed members of the profession and their dependants. Grants may be made to members or former members of the Society, their widows, orphans or other dependents, and students registered with the Society.
During 1998, assistance totalling £226,000 was given to 313 individuals by way of quarterly or monthly grants or one-off payments to assist where there was need. Interest-free loans of £82,000 were made to help with major items of expenditure such as external redecoration and repairs where no other source of funding could be found. As well as providing financial help, the fund is also regularly approached for advice on a wide range of welfare issues.
Donations may at any time be sent direct to the Benevolent Fund, Royal Pharmaceutical Society, 1 Lambeth High Street, London SE1 7JN. At the beginning of the year, an easy way for pharmacists to make a donation is to include an additional sum when paying their membership retention fee (remembering to complete the relevant box on the retention fee form). Covenanted donations are especially welcome. Covenant forms are available from the Society on request (tel 020 7735 9141, extension 285).