On December 15th, the Wounded Warrior Support Foundation (WWSF) held its annual winter charity gala evening to raise awareness and fundraising for the charitable group. Attended by influential figures across the public sector, diplomatic corps, leading businesses, intergovernmental organisations and prominent military circles, it was heart-warming to witness such an inspiring cause take place for our wounded warriors.
Founded in 2018 by Silknet Group, the fund works to support wounded soldiers and veterans in appreciation of their dedicated service and sacrifice. Since its launch, the initiative has gathered a mass following with more Georgian and international supporters joining every year. Some of these high-profile figures from the United States include Congressman Joe Wilson, General (ret) Wesley Clark, in addition to honorary board member David Shrimp and Advisory Board co-chairs Dr Barbara van Dahlen and Dr Randy Phelps.
The Wounded Warrior Support Foundation raised significant donations during the charity gala event from Georgian companies and individuals alike, raising 323,160 GEL that night alone. One of the largest donations came from Silk Road Wines, an American business which held a similar charity gala event in September and shared its raised donations to the Georgian fund. With the addition of Silknet’s annual financial pledge, the foundation can continue providing medical treatment and medicines, surgeries, fitting of homes, professional re-qualifications courses and much more. In 2021, with a fund of 437, 000 GEL, the WWSF helped 81 wounded military servicemen and veterans and covered the cost of multiple urgent operations and medical treatments, re-fitting of homes for those with special needs, as well as funded professional re-training for them and their family members.
The growing involvement and support for the charitable foundation, from one side of the world to the other, speaks to its impressive reputation and global credibility. In turn, this means we have the resources to give back to Georgia’s wounded heroes for their sacrifice and patriotic service. It is with great respect and admiration that we stand by our warriors, and will continue to do so in the new year and beyond.