Message From Our President | | |
Dear Members, Friends, and Supporters,
This spring marks an exciting moment for the British Benevolent Society of California as we continue strengthening the community that sustains our mission.
At our Annual General Meeting at the British Consulate-General in San Francisco, members gathered to review the Society’s work over the past year and reaffirm our commitment to supporting British nationals in need across the Western United States. I am especially pleased to welcome Jon Wingent as Vice President, strengthening the leadership guiding the Society forward.
We are also expanding our Board of Directors and ambassador network, particularly in Southern California, where new leaders and volunteers are helping us grow the Society’s reach and identify cases of need throughout our most dire cases.
As our community grows, so does the opportunity to deepen partnerships with those who believe in this mission. We welcome the support of members, philanthropists, and corporate partners who want to help ensure that the Society can continue providing timely and compassionate assistance when it matters most.
After more than 170 years of service, the British Benevolent Society continues to evolve while remaining rooted in a simple principle: that no member of our community should face hardship alone.
Warm Regards,
Alex J. Sinclair

President

British Benevolent Society
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As spring arrives, it brings a sense of renewal and new beginnings. Thanks to your support, the BBS has helped individuals take important steps forward, from preventing homelessness and restoring essential documents to reuniting families during life’s most critical moments. Together, we are there when stability, dignity, and hope are needed most.
Preventing Homelessness
A British citizen in San Francisco was facing immediate homelessness after months without stable housing. His temporary accommodation was ending that same day, and no shelters could accept him due to his two service dogs.
He had already taken important steps toward stability. A new job was set to begin in January, and a charitable organization had committed to helping cover rent once he received his first paycheck. What he needed was short-term support to bridge the gap.
With timely assistance from the BBS, emergency accommodation was secured, allowing him to avoid homelessness and stay on track toward stable housing and employment.
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A Final Visit Home
In Southern California, a British national working as a live-in caregiver for a severely disabled individual received devastating news. His mother in the UK had been diagnosed with aggressive cancer, and he feared he would not be able to afford the journey home.
Providing daily care in exchange for housing left little financial flexibility, and the cost of international travel placed the visit out of reach.
The BBS provided a round-trip ticket, making it possible for him to spend precious time with his mother during her final days and be with his family when it mattered most.
Step Toward Stability
In Oakland, a British national who has lived in the United States for nearly 50 years and served in the U.S. Navy is currently experiencing homelessness and living out of his car. With no immediate family in the U.S. or the U.K., he has been working with a veterans’ charity to pursue housing.
A major barrier was the loss of essential documents, including his Social Security card. Replacing them required first renewing his green card and U.K. passport, creating a significant obstacle.

The BBS covered the cost of his green card renewal, helping him take a critical step toward restoring his documentation and moving closer to stable housing.
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Join us for our new Happy Hour at The Spinnaker in Sausalito on Monday, March 30, 2026. Perched on the waterfront, The Spinnaker features panoramic views of the Sausalito harbor, the San Francisco skyline, Angel Island, Belvedere, Alcatraz, and the Bay Bridge.
The $20 fee is considered a charitable donation. Your contribution helps us continue providing financial relief to British individuals in need.
Event Details:
đź“ŤThe Spinnmaker
100 Spinnaker Dr., Sausalito, CA 94965
🗓️ Monday, March 30th, 2026
⏰ 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
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BBS Annual General Meeting
British Consulate General, San Francisco
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
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The British Benevolent Society of California gathered members, directors, and supporters at the British Consulate-General in San Francisco on March 18 for its 2026 Annual General Meeting, an evening that celebrated the Society’s ongoing mission and the dedicated community behind it.
Members heard reports from the Society’s officers on events, finances, investments, and relief activity, highlighting ongoing work providing financial aid and compassionate support to British nationals in need across the Western United States.
The minutes from the 2025 Annual General Meeting were approved unanimously, and members welcomed the introduction and election of new directors. The Society was also pleased to celebrate Jon Wingent stepping into the role of Vice President, strengthening the leadership team for the year ahead.
Guests also heard remarks from H.M. Deputy Consul General Peter Newman, who shared an update on the Consulate’s work supporting British nationals throughout the region.
During the evening, we also recognized Jennifer Baker, Senay Ryan, and Raissa Marchetti-Kozlov for their years of dedication and service to the charity. Their work behind the scenes has played an important role in sustaining the Society’s mission and supporting those who need it most.
The evening concluded with a reception at the Consulate, offering members and guests the opportunity to reconnect and celebrate the Society's continued work.
For more than 170 years, the British Benevolent Society has existed because of the generosity, leadership, and quiet commitment of this community, and that tradition continues today.
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BBS x GBX South Bay Curry Clubbers
Sakoon, Mountain View
Thursday, February 19, 2026
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South Bay Happy Hour
State Street Market, Los Altos
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
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Toy Drive Delivery
Children's Hospital Los Angeles
January 2026
| Big-hearted Brits brought joy to young patients at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, delivering dozens of donated toys collected during the BABC LA luncheon. Organized by the British Benevolent Society, the effort reflects the power of community and generosity in action. BBS LA ambassador Sandro Monetti and board member Jon Wingent personally delivered the gifts, sharing smiles, kindness, and a reminder that even small acts can make a big difference. | | Not a BBS member yet? Now’s the perfect time to join our community. Sign up today and be part of something meaningful! | | | Already a member but let it lapse? Don’t miss out! Renew now and stay connected. | | | | | |
