BBS In The Community

BBS President Charles Cockerton and Executive Director Jenn Baker sat down for a conversation with BBS Business Member Karen Beale from Trinity House Paintings. Karen has traveled to the UK several times since late 2019. She discussed her experiences with Charles in the hopes of providing some guidance and comfort for those who are considering traveling to the UK during this time.

Karen also shared her guidance and tips, with a Shakespeare twist, that she used in order to navigate the entire process. Members have been looking for answers and practical information about the Coronavirus, and we hope that you will find the conversation and our BBS members’ experiences useful.

BBS Coronavirus Relief Program

The BBS Relief Committee continues to receive 4-6 requests per week for charitable assistance. Since mid-March of this year, the BBS has provided over $70,000 in financial aid including 30 Covid19 Grants. As a reminder of the new times we live in, the relief budget for all of 2019 was $30,000.

We are unfortunately seeing a significant number of cases originating from the greater Los Angeles Area from British families and individuals who work in entertainment-related industries. Almost overnight, many lost their sources of income. To make matters worse, some are in the US on a visa and are restricted in both their ability to look for other employment opportunities and qualify for assistance from the US authorities. For many, the BBS is their only lifeline.

A recent relief case involved a man in his late 70’s who was diagnosed with COPD in February. After spending weeks in the hospital recovering from pneumonia, he returned home unable to resume his voice work because of the shut down. He is struggling to make ends meet but maintains a very positive attitude by looking forward to better days. In his thank you note to the BBS, he said,

“I have found a portable Oxygenator for $1,925 and have yet to be informed the cost of a second back up battery which I understand will be in the region of $495 and it’s thanks to you I am able to afford this incredible life saver!”

The Relief Committee also worked with the Consulate in Los Angeles to help repatriate a couple in their late 70’s. While on holiday, one of them suffered a stroke and had to have surgery. After release from the hospital, they were not immediately fit to fly and the airline would not honor their request to change their flight. With the help of the BBS, they have now secured arrangements to return to the UK before the end of the month.

Some of the other wonderful thank you notes follow:

• Thank you so much (for the Covid19 grant) that is literally a total lifesaver. I was just wondering today what I was going to do about my rent backlog… this will help me so much. -AH
• I am more than happy to do whatever I can to support the amazing lifesaving work that you and BBS do. -RG
• This check is such a lifeline, I am very grateful to you and the committee. -MV

Charitable Donations and
How You Can Help The BBS

How can you help without making a donation? If you aren’t already a member, please become a member today! Membership dues are considered a charitable donation. Visit our member page today or share our newsletter with a friend. The BBS and our mission is more relevant than ever, please share the impact of our assistance with fiends and family. The more who know, the more lives we may touch.

During this time, all donations directly help those impacted by the global Coronavirus pandemic. The money you contribute now really does help people in a very practical way. Today, more than ever, the BBS is helping British nationals living in the US who face dire circumstances.

Captain Sir Tomas Moore:
Making a Difference & Making Headlines

Captain Sir Tom Moore was knighted at Windsor Castle in the Queen’s first official in-person engagement since the beginning of the lockdown. After the ceremony, Sir Moore commented:

“Never ever did I imagine that I should get so close to the Queen and have such a kind message from her.”

We all need a little lift here and there and Captain Sir Tomas Moore has been generous enough to share some inspiration across the globe.