Message From Our President

Dear Members, Friends, and Supporters,

The British Benevolent Society exists for moments when things go wrong quickly and being far from home makes all the difference. We are often the final point of support, stepping in with short-term, practical help when a crisis cannot wait and other options have been exhausted.

Much of this work is carried out in close coordination with the British Consulates in San Francisco and Los Angeles. In roughly half of our cases, visiting British nationals are referred to the Society only after every appropriate avenue has been explored through official Consulate channels. The remaining cases come directly from British nationals living across the western United States who reach out in moments of sudden need. In all cases, our role is deliberately limited, focused on stabilising a situation and helping someone regain their footing with dignity.

The stories shared in this newsletter reflect that purpose: a veteran given short-term housing with his service dogs, critical support provided during medical recovery, and emergency assistance helping a stranded visitor return home safely. These are not large interventions, but they are timely ones, and timing is often what matters most.

None of this is possible without a community that believes in being prepared for the day someone didn’t see coming. Your support and membership ensure that when a British national reaches that difficult point, the Society is ready to act, quickly, responsibly, and with care.

If you would like to be involved with one of our volunteer committees, we would be glad to hear from you. Many of the outcomes we are proudest of begin with a volunteer’s skill, insight, or timely connection at a critical moment.

Warm Regards,

Alex J. Sinclair 

President 

British Benevolent Society

Winter Relief Cases

As winter settles in, its challenges can feel heavier, but so can the strength of community. Thanks to your support, BBS has provided emergency housing, critical financial relief, and safe passage home for those facing sudden hardship. Together, we are there when stability, dignity, and hope are needed most.

BBS Relief in Action

One of the first individuals supported by BBS shows how timely, targeted assistance can remove life-altering barriers. “John,” a British citizen and U.S. Navy veteran who has lived in the U.S. for nearly 50 years, is currently homeless in Oakland and working with Swords to Plowshares to secure housing. Missing identification documents, including a Social Security card, have stalled his placement, as replacement requires costly passport and green card fees he cannot afford.

BBS stepped in to provide immediate relief, covering his car registration so he could keep his only shelter and committing support for essential document renewal fees. These small but critical interventions clear the path toward stable housing, safety, and dignity.

Relief When It’s Needed Most

In September, her life changed in an instant when she suffered a cerebellar stroke — one moment finishing a yoga class, the next rushed to the hospital. She is now in recovery, relearning basic movements and unable to work since October, with no income.

As she focused on healing, her corporate landlord initially refused rental relief or an early lease exit, adding to the financial strain. BBS stepped in to provide rental assistance, easing the burden and helping prevent long-term debt during her recovery.

This is the power of donor support, and a reminder of how quickly life can change. Your generosity helps ensure no one faces a sudden crisis alone.

Emergency Support for a Stranded Visitor

This case shows how quickly unexpected events can leave someone vulnerable, and how timely support can make all the difference. “Michael,” a UK national visiting the U.S. to pursue work opportunities, was left without housing when a sudden family medical emergency forced his hosts to leave town. Delayed funds he could not access until returning to the UK quickly left him without resources.

By the time he contacted BBS, Michael had not eaten in two days and was sleeping in hotel lobbies. BBS stepped in to provide immediate food assistance and arrange urgent repatriation, helping him return to the UK safely and with dignity.

Short-Term Housing for a Veteran and His Service Dogs

This case shows how targeted support can resolve urgent housing challenges. “Alex,” a veteran experiencing homelessness, has been unable to access shelters because none can accommodate him and his two service dogs. Although he has a job starting this month and future rental assistance lined up, he needed immediate housing in the meantime.

BBS stepped in to provide short-term housing that welcomed Alex and his dogs, giving them a safe place to stay while he begins work and transitions to longer-term support. This is the power of donor support, and a reminder of how quickly life can change. Your generosity turns a sudden crisis into a manageable path forward.

Upcoming Events

North Bay Happy Hour

Join us for the very first Happy Hour of the New Year in beautiful Tiburon, a relaxed evening to reconnect, mingle, and start 2026 on a high note.

Event Details:

📍Tiburon Tavern

🗓️ Thursday, January 22, 2026

⏰ 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Enjoy great company, drinks, and conversation as the sun sets. The evenings can get a little chilly, so we recommend bringing a jacket or scarf.

Your $20 ticket is considered a charitable donation, with all proceeds supporting our ongoing work to provide financial relief to Brits in need.

Raise a glass with us and help make a meaningful difference — we’d love to see you there.

Reserve your spot today and start the year together.

RSVP HERE

South Bay Happy Hour

Midweek plans, sorted. We’re meeting at State Street Market in Los Altos for a no-host happy hour with live music, food options galore, and a little extra fun.

🎟 Raffle Alert!

Enter our raffle for a chance to win a special surprise. Just a little extra fun to brighten your night.

💛 Optional $20 Donation

While this is a no-host event, a $20 donation is optional and greatly appreciated. All donations directly support our mission to provide financial relief to Brits in need.

Event Details:

📍 State Street Market

📅 Wednesday, January 28, 2026

⏰ 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM

RSVP HERE

Mostly British Film Festival 2026

Feb. 5-12

The Mostly British Film Festival returns for its 18th year February 5–12 at the Vogue Theatre, showcasing family dramas, romances, comedies, and documentaries from the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and India.

Opening night features Mr. Burton, the story of Richard Burton’s early life in Wales, starring Toby Jones and Harry Lawtey, while the festival closes with I Swear, a true story about a young man with undiagnosed Tourette syndrome, led by British Independent Film Award winner Robert Aramayo.

New this year is a partnership with the British Film Institute, presenting three acclaimed films including Brides, Urchin (winner of Best Actor at Cannes), and My Father’s Shadow (Special Mention, Cannes).

As a special treat, the festival will host a free advance screening of Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights, starring Owen Cooper and Jacob Elordi as the young and adult Heathcliff.

Tickets and series passes are available at mostlybritish.org or the Vogue Theatre box office at 3290 Sacramento Street.

BBS x GBX South Bay Curry Clubbers

The South Bay Curry Clubbers are getting together again, this time for another flavorful evening at a local favorite. If you love great Indian food and even better company, this one’s for you.

Settle in for a relaxed night of shared plates, lively conversation, and the bold, comforting flavors Sakoon is known for.

🎟 $50 per person includes:

🍽️ Appetizer

🍛 Main course

🍰 Dessert

🍺 One beer

✅ All taxes and tip included

Just bring your appetite and your appreciation for a great curry night!

Spaces are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot soon. We look forward to sharing the table with you.

📩 RSVP to Senay Ryan at senay.ryan@bbsofca.org

Event Details:

📍 Sakoon

📅 Thursday, February 19th

⏰ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Previous Events

BABC SF 62nd Annual Christmas Luncheon

Fairmont Hotel, San Francisco

Friday, December 12, 2025

BBS President, Alex J. Sinclair, introducing the BBS auction item at the BABC Christmas Luncheon.

Our very own CFO, Steve Wares, jams with Jane Blonde and the Goldfingers at the After Party.

We were honored to be the official charity of choice at the BABC’s 62nd Annual Christmas Luncheon, held at the Fairmont Hotel atop Nob Hill. Our sincere thanks to Corey Hastings and the British American Business Council for selecting us and for hosting such a wonderful event.

BBS x GBX South Bay Curry Clubbers

Sakoon, Mountain View

Thursday, December 11, 2025

Mark Stripp, GBX and BBS member, with fellow BBS members at Curry Clubbers Night.

BBS Annual Christmas Dinner

Kensington Park Hotel, Elks Lodge, San Francisco

Saturday, December 6, 2025

Alex J. Sinclair alongside Daphne Gerughty, our honorary guest of the evening and a cherished BBS member for decades.

Colin Crawford, honored as our special achievement guest and supporter of the North Bay Happy Hours.

Our special achievement guest and a South Bay Happy Hour supporter, Rosie Potter.

The BBS Christmas Dinner, held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the Kensington Park Hotel in San Francisco, was a truly festive and memorable evening, welcoming 84 guests for a joyful celebration of the season.

It was a fabulous turnout, filled with great energy, wonderful company, and fantastic live music from TDX, generously donated by Den Jones of 909cyber. Guests enjoyed an exciting auction and a lively raffle, made possible by the many supporters who donated wine and raffle prizes.

A huge thank-you to our incredible event committee, as well as to all our members and friends who joined us, helped raise vital funds, and made the evening such a heartfelt and joyous success.

BABC LA 65th Annual Christmas Luncheon

Fairmont Miramar, Santa Monica

Friday, December 5th, 2025

Guest Speaker Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex!

We were delighted to see the BBS featured in the BABC LA program, represented by our LA Ambassador, Sandro Monetti.

BABC LA held a toy drive in support of the BBS, with all toys to be distributed to local hospitals in the new year!

New and Renewing Members

Congratulations to Georgia Bishop on her appointment as Chair of the Next Generation Committee. We’re excited to see what’s ahead for our Young Professionals!