Message From Our President

Dear Members, Friends, and Supporters,

As we move into the heart of summer, I’m pleased to reflect on the growing momentum behind the British Benevolent Society.

We are once again honored to be named the Charity of Choice by the British American Business Council of Northern California. This ongoing partnership has opened new doors for collaboration, not only in the Bay Area but also across the broader British-American network.

Over the past few months, we’ve deepened our relationships with the Royal Society of St. George (California Branch) and several Southern California BABC chapters, laying the groundwork for a truly statewide presence. Our goal remains focused and straightforward: to ensure that no British national in need goes without a voice, an advocate, or a way home.

I’m especially excited to welcome our newest members, whose energy and commitment help shape the future of this organization. With your support, we continue to expand our reach and impact, from emergency relief cases in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, and beyond, to legacy planning and storytelling efforts that highlight the real lives touched by your generosity.

We are also excited to announce our newest Director, HM Deputy Consul General in San Francisco, Peter Newman, who will be a great addition to the development and progression of our charity.

Please mark your calendars for Saturday, December 6^th, our beloved Annual Christmas Dinner returns in style at a new venue, the historic Kensington Park Hotel in San Francisco. We can’t wait to celebrate the season with you.

Until then, I invite you to join us at one of our upcoming happy hours, engage with our new BBS Stories campaign online, or stay connected as we continue this vital mission, together.

With thanks for all you do to keep the spirit of compassion, dignity, and British fellowship alive on the West Coast.

Warm Regards,

Alex J. Sinclair 

President 

British Benevolent Society

Relief Cases

As summer unfolds, we want to share a few heartfelt updates from the frontline of our Relief Committee support efforts. These past months have reminded us of the profound challenges faced by individuals in crisis, and the vital role your continued support plays in helping us respond swiftly and compassionately.

A Case Close to the Heart: Allan’s Story

Recently, we helped Allan*, a British national in Los Angeles, who was homeless and without ID, a phone, or funds. His only contact was his elderly mother in the UK, who managed to pay for his Emergency Travel Document but couldn’t afford a flight. With no support and nowhere to stay, Allan had been sleeping outside the consulate. Thanks to member support and the Relief Committee, the LA Consulate secured a timely repatriation flight for him.

Help with Repatriation: Homeless and a Dual National

The BBS was contacted by the Consulate to assist a dual British-U.S. national in Los Angeles who has been homeless for the past four years, without stable housing, income, or support. Although the Consulate is unable to provide direct assistance due to his dual nationality, the BBS is helping him complete his Emergency Travel Document (ETD) application and arrange an affordable return flight to the UK. With no other resources, he is relying on this support to make his way home.

Repatriation - Falkland Islands

It’s rare for the BBS to assist someone from the Falkland Islands, but that was the case with Mark*, a long-time green card holder in Seattle. Homeless since 2022 and with no income, housing, or family support, he was receiving limited help from a local outreach group.

Mark hoped to return to the Falklands but couldn’t afford the cost of a British passport or Emergency Travel Document. With no other options, he turned to the BBS, which helped him navigate the documentation process and explore affordable travel home. His story is a reminder of the global reach of the British community, and the vital role the BBS plays when no other help is available.

Pensioner Financial Support - While Recovering From Surgery

The charity recently received a request from an elderly British man in his 80s living on the West Coast. For years, he had gotten by as a handyman, living out of his car and earning just enough to survive. Facing a serious surgery that would leave him unable to work for weeks, he turned to the BBS for help.

With no nearby family or financial safety net, he was deeply concerned about managing during recovery. The Relief Committee approved a grant to cover food and basic living expenses while he heals.

Funeral Expenses: The Loss of Life of a Single Mum

The BBS was contacted by the family of a single mother who passed away after a long and difficult battle with cancer. Living with a disability, she left behind a young daughter. Facing significant hardship and unable to cover funeral and mortuary costs, the family reached out to the BBS in a time of deep grief. The BBS is grateful to offer support to help ease the burden during this profoundly difficult time.

*Names changed to protect identity

New Launch: BBS Stories!

One of the most powerful tools we’ve launched this year is the “BBS Stories” campaign, an anonymized, narrative-driven series that highlights the real impact of our work. These stories humanize the challenges our community members face and inspire both empathy and action.

Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram to see real moments of crisis and hope through this powerful new campaign.

Upcoming Events

South Bay Happy Hour

Join us for another vibrant No-Host Happy Hour at State Street Market in Los Altos on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, a perfect way to toast the tail end of summer!

Mingle with great people, enjoy live music, and explore the Market’s wide array of food and drink options. Whether you're catching up with old friends or making new ones, it’s a midweek vibe you don’t want to miss.

🎟️ Raffle Alert!

Enter for a chance to win a special surprise prize.

💙 Optional $20 Donation.

Event Details:

🗓️ Wednesday, August 27, 2025

🕔 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM

📍 State Street Market

170 State Street, Los Altos, CA 94022

RSVP HERE

North Bay Happy Hour

We’re heading back to beautiful Tiburon for a relaxed No-Host North Bay Happy Hour on Thursday, September 18, 2025, and you’re invited!

Come catch up with old friends or make new ones as you sip, snack, and socialize at the cozy Tiburon Tavern. With crisp drinks, fresh air, and unbeatable coastal charm, it’s the perfect way to ease into the weekend.

💙 Optional $20 Donation.

Event Details:

🗓️ Thursday, September 18, 2025

🕔 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

📍 Tiburon Tavern

1651 Tiburon Boulevard, Tiburon, CA 94920

RSVP HERE

Save the Date:

BBS Annual Christmas Dinner

Saturday, December 6th, 2025

Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 6, 2025, for an unforgettable Christmas dinner at the historic Kensington Park Hotel. Housed in a 1925 Gothic-style building in the heart of Union Square, the hotel offers views of Nob Hill and echoes the elegance of old San Francisco. We’re thrilled to celebrate the season at this iconic venue. A limited number of rooms will be available for $152 per night (plus tax) for those who wish to stay over.

🎄Invitation and ticket details to come! Stay tuned!🎄

Previous Events

British-American Friendship & Heritage Day

City Hall, San Francisco

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

BBS President Alex J. Sinclair was proud to join Mayor Daniel Lurie and British Consul General Tammy Sandhu MBE at yesterday's UK flag-raising ceremony at City Hall, celebrating the enduring friendship between San Francisco and the United Kingdom.

South Bay Happy Hour

State Street Market

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

North Bay Happy Hour

Tiburon Tavern

Thursday, June 12, 2025

Hosted by BBS Member Jackie Jones

BABC 13th Annual International Golf Scramble

Crystal Springs Golf Course, Burlingame

Thursday, June 5, 2025

Art of British Innovation Reception

de Young Museum, San Francisco

Thursday, May 29, 2025

What an extraordinary evening at the Art of British Innovation Reception at the M. H. de Young Memorial Museum, a fitting tribute to 175 years of shared creativity between California and the UK. From groundbreaking design to cultural icons, the night celebrated the ingenuity that unites our nations.

Sincere thanks to British Consul General Tammy Sandhu MBE for her continued support of our mission and presence at this remarkable event. We’d also like to give a special thanks to those who supported our BBS 2024 Auction, which included tickets to this very event. We were thrilled to see Zara Reader, the lucky auction winner, enjoying the celebration and representing the BBS community so warmly. Your generosity makes moments like this and our year-round relief work possible.

South Bay Curry Clubbers Evening

Aurum Indian Restaurant

Thursday, May 22, 2025

BBS Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Werqwise, San Francisco

Monday, May 12, 2025

Thank you to all who joined us in May at Werqwise to celebrate a year of meaningful growth. We’ve reduced our budget shortfall from $132K to $95K, with a projected drop to $35K in 2025. New partnerships with BABC chapters and UK-aligned groups are expanding our reach, and our new “BBS Stories” campaign is bringing our impact to life.

We also welcomed British Consul General Peter Newman as a new director, and welcomed back Karen Thomas and Kathleen Kimura to the board.

Special thanks to Werqwise and Providentia for hosting and raising $480 to support our work.

Your support fuels our mission—let’s keep the momentum going.

The Royal Society of St. George Awards Gala

Hollywood Museum, Los Angeles

Sunday, April 27, 2025

The BBS was honoured to be represented at The Royal Society of St. George Awards Gala at the Hollywood Museum by our President, Alex J. Sinclair. He was joined by our new BBS Ambassador in Los Angeles, journalist and broadcaster Sandro Monetti, a dynamic addition to our expanding network, helping to raise awareness of the BBS for British nationals in dire need across the western United States.

North Bay Happy Hour

Tiburon Tavern

Thursday, April 24, 2025

Hosted by BBS Member Colin Crawford

South Bay Happy Hour

State Street Market

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

New and Renewing Members

Ultimate Hollywood insider Sandro Monetti is our new BBS member and our LA ambassador. A TV entertainment expert frequently seen on BBC World News and CNN, he's also an Oscar shortlisted filmmaker and a charity champion who has won humanitarian awards from the White House and United Nations.