For immediate release
Date: Wednesday 5th October 2025
We R Blighty C.I.C. (WRB) acknowledges the findings of the Fundraising Regulator’s report and welcomes the opportunity to strengthen transparency and compliance across our operations. While the report identifies areas for improvement, it is important to note that the issues raised relate to historical fundraising activity that occurred before the organisation’s internal reforms in mid-2025.
Since that time, WRB has implemented clearer training standards, updated oversight procedures, and a renewed focus on ethical and transparent fundraising that aligns with both the Code of Fundraising Practice and the organisation’s values.
Understanding Third-Party Fundraising
There is often confusion about how third-party fundraising operates within the charity and not-for-profit sector. Many respected UK organisations work with professional fundraising agencies that engage with the public on their behalf. These agencies are typically compensated on a per-supporter basis, and under the traditional model, it can take 12 to 18 months before the chosen charity receives any of the pledged funds.
If a donor cancels their regular contribution during that period, the charity may never see any of that money even though the donor believes their full donation has gone directly to the cause. This structure is standard practice across much of the sector but is not always well-understood by the public.
WRB operates differently. The organisation works with a third-party agency under a more ethical and transparent model. In this system, 50% of each magazine sale goes directly to veteran support programmes at the point of sale, while the remaining 50% covers the agency’s delivery and administrative costs. This ensures that funds are immediately directed toward accommodation, internal costs, food, and mental-health support for veterans, rather than being delayed or dependent on long-term donor retention.
This model prioritises real-time impact and accountability, allowing veterans in crisis to receive assistance without waiting for drawn-out fundraising cycles to conclude. It is performance-based and impact-driven focused on tangible outcomes rather than theoretical returns.
It is also important to clarify that during the Fundraising Regulator’s investigation, no verifiable evidence was produced to substantiate claims of aggressive or unprofessional behaviour by We R Blighty’s representatives. At no point was any mystery shopper sent out, nor were any recorded observations.
WRB remains open to continued dialogue with regulators and welcomes any future opportunities for independent observation or evidence-based assessment of its public engagement methods. The organisation stands by the professionalism of its representatives and the integrity of its approach.
Commitment to Best Practice and Transparency
WRB has already addressed the recommendations made by the Fundraising Regulator, including:
- Establishing a formal complaints and monitoring process that exceeds the minimum code requirements.
- Enhancing staff and representative training around ethical fundraising and donor safeguarding.
- Reviewing all printed and digital materials to ensure complete clarity around WRB independence as a community interest company (CIC).
The organisation remains fully committed to collaboration with the Fundraising Regulator and other oversight bodies to help improve sector-wide understanding of how modern, ethical fundraising models operate.
Clarifying Online Misinformation
In recent years, The Walter Mitty Hunters Club HQ and other small online communities have circulated misleading and often inaccurate information about WRB and its operations. These claims have caused unnecessary harm and confusion, particularly around the legality of our fundraising model and the nature of our veteran support work.
We continue to cooperate with relevant authorities and remain focused on factual transparency. We also urge all parties engaged in public discussion about veteran charities and non-profit organisations to act responsibly, verify information before publication, and prioritise the well-being of the veteran community above online speculation.
Real Impact for Veterans
Every magazine sale helps to deliver tangible support for UK veterans, including:
- Emergency accommodation in hotels and B&Bs so that no veteran supported by the organisation is ever returned to the streets.
- Long-term housing assistance, including rent deposits, shared housing opportunities, and referrals to Haig Housing Trust, Stoll, Op Fortitude, RBLI, Security Rifles and Boots on the Ground.
- Mental health and wellbeing support, delivered by a qualified in-house Occupational Therapist with referrals to PTSD Resolution, Combat Stress, and Qwell.
- Employment pathways through funding courses with Building Heroes and Security Rifles.
- Community inclusion via day trips and outreach activities designed to rebuild confidence and connection.
Moving Forward
- We R Blighty CIC remains dedicated to operating with integrity and openness. The organisation’s primary focus continues to be the welfare and rehabilitation of veterans across the UK, helping them secure housing, rebuild stability, and access the support they deserve.
- We welcome dialogue with the Fundraising Regulator, the media, and the public to ensure continued accountability, ethical fundraising, and a shared commitment to supporting those who served.