As a charity, the JWO (Joint War Organisation) relied entirely on volunteers and fundraising. When War was declared on 3rd September 1939, they only had £2000. They desperately needed funds to support their work, so the Duke of Gloucester’s British Red Cross and St. John Ambulance Appeal was launched immediately.

An increase in taxes since World War One meant that large donations from the upper classes were not likely. Instead, the JWO (Joint War Organisation) decided to appeal to wage earners and particular sections of the community.

Raising money was never easy, especially when paper rationing limited the number of posters and leaflets, and when outdoor fundraising events had to be cancelled because of the threat from flying bombs. However, the determination of JWO (Joint War Organisation) fundraisers saw them through – by 1945 £54 million had been raised, or £1.4 billion in today’s terms.

Violet Ryder worked magic with a tin can. At work in Cambridge, she collected for the JWO (Joint War Organisation) war effort during her breaks. Her neighbours also gave willingly to the cause. From Guildhall bazaars to garden parties, for Spitfires and food for Russia, Violet raised essential money and awareness. more...

Lillian Barron knew how much the Penny-a-Week Fund could help. She had seen her countrymen—and her brothers—off to war. Penny-a-Week was collected either house-to-house or deducted from weekly salaries. Lillian covered the Guinness Trust housing estate, where residents gave generously. more...

KATHLEEN THOMAS
Liverpool, SJA, Fundraising
'Money into the apron'
Kathleen Thomas walked all over Liverpool collecting donations for prisoners of war (POW). Pubs proved especially good places to visit. She recalls one day at the Philharmonic, when pub regulars gave more than her tin could hold. So Kathleen gamely strode the countertop, gathering money in her skirt and cap. more...

Sylvia Leppard supported herself by ensuring that POW (Prisoners Of War) themselves received support. She kept accounts at the Fund’s offices near Basingstoke. Her family understood that POW needed help. At the office she worked for Britain’s POW overseas; at home Sylvia earned alongside German POW. more.

Children throughout the country grew up quickly during WWII. War affected home life, the school calendar, and playtime. Many children became involved in the war effort and often joined their parents in fundraising for St. John Ambulance and the British Red Cross. Here are just a few stories of the children’s war effort. more...

Facts

• The JWO(Joint War Organisation) encouraged workers to donate a penny a week from their wages, at a time when the average weekly wage was £10

• The JWO(Joint War Organisation) held charity auctions to raise money - one diamond necklace was sold for £11,600

• Even a cow called Chalfont Lady Victory helped to raise £19,327 as she toured towns in 35 counties! She was famous for being born with a perfect “V” for Victory on her forehead.