North Smarter Bases Snowboards Raise Awareness for RAF Benevolent Fund

North is proud to have supported the RAF Benevolent Fund through our involvement in the Alpine Challenge 2025. Organised by the RAF Winter Sports Alpine Association (RAFWSAA), the event brought together 900 talented athletes—ranging from grassroots competitors to elite challengers—each pushing their limits and honing their skills on the slopes.

As part of its fundraising efforts, North auctioned two North Smarter Bases-branded snowboards, successfully raising money and awareness for the RAF Benevolent Fund and the amazing work they do. The charity provides vital support to RAF personnel, veterans, and their families, offering financial assistance, mental health support, housing aid, and wellbeing initiatives.

Recognising the Winners

The winners of the North Smarter Bases snowboards are now putting them to good use on the slopes.

One of the recipients, Charlotte 'Charlie' Metcalfe, is an Aviator Specialist 1 (Technician) currently serving on the Joint Aircraft Recovery and Transportation Squadron (JARTs) of the Support Force. Metcalfe began her snowboarding journey as a grassroots rider in 2023 and was selected for the RAF Snowboarding Squad in November 2024. Her rapid progress saw her compete in the UK Armed Forces Championships in February 2025, where she contributed to the RAF Women’s team securing first place. Her impressive performance earned her the title of ‘Best Female Newcomer.’

Nicola Duncan, Chairperson of RAF Snowboarding, praised Metcalfe’s potential:

“Charlie has a very bright future ahead of her, both professionally and as part of the RAF Snowboard Squad. I look forward to her being part of the squad for many years to come, and having won the RAF Benevolent Fund North Snowboard, she can now do it in style – and I know this board is already getting lots of snow time!”

Richard Green, Managing Director of Defence & Justice at North, also acknowledged Metcalfe’s dedication:

“I have had the privilege to ride with Charlie, experiencing first-hand how she embodies all that is good about winter sports—passion, enthusiasm, dedication, teamwork, pushing boundaries, smashing personal goals, all topped off with a smile. She is contagious to be around, although she does have some dubious taste in music! A well-deserved winner of one of the North Smarter Bases snowboards.”

The second winner, Thomas Levene, expressed his excitement upon receiving his board:

“After 13 years of snowboarding, it's brilliant to finally own my own snowboard and I can't wait to try it out. I'm proud to support the RAF Benevolent Fund raffle and would like to thank North for the board.”

Continued Support for a Worthy Cause

North remains dedicated to supporting the RAF Benevolent Fund, helping to ensure that RAF personnel, veterans, and their families receive the assistance they need. The funds raised through this initiative will contribute to the charity’s ongoing efforts in providing essential support and services.