The PA raise funds for charity throughout the school year through a series of events, sales and more. Garden House School has a more than 70 year relationship, which includes fundraising, with our neighbour the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

In addition, each Spring Term, the PA invites open nominations from parents for selecting a charity for the following academic year. The PA and the School review the nominations and then the School student council, based on specific criteria, create a final shortlist of charities. Garden House children vote in June from this final list, and our nominated charity is chosen. More details regarding how to nominate charities will be announced in the Spring Term.

Of the funds raised by the PA each year, a proportion of the proceeds is given to the annual nominated charity and a proportion to the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

(NB: Communication with any of the charities needs to be via the PA, or via the school on any other related matter.)

The Royal Hospital Chelsea

The Royal Hospital Chelsea was first opened in 1692 with one very simple purpose; to provide a fitting home to retired soldiers in recognition of their loyal service to the Nation. 325 years later, we continue to offer shelter, comradeship and the very highest standards of care and support to hundreds of Army veterans, fondly known as the Chelsea Pensioners, like 79 year old Gordon 'Sandy' Sanders. 

Sandy served in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers for 24 years, and following his wife's death came to live at the Royal Hospital in 2009. "We'd been married for 48 years. After that length of time, your spouse is everything to you and after her death I was so lonely. Living at the Royal Hospital has taken away the loneliness of my bereavement. The biggest thing that keeps me going is the banter - here I am never lonely. I can share stories with my fellow comrades in a place I can call home." 

The Royal Hospital not only focuses on improving the quality of life of the Chelsea Pensioners, but also gives them peace of mind that they will have a comfortable home and be cared for in their later years.

Thanks to the support of Garden House School, its staff, volunteers and parents who take part in this evening's charity quiz, the Royal Hospital will ensure that we are here for the next generation of Army veterans: for those who served in Afghanistan, Iraq and beyond.

If you would like to find out more about the many ways you can support the Royal Hospital Chelsea, please contact The Reverend Steven Brooks on 020 7881 5124 or chaplain@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk
Registered Charity No. 1076414