The ARD organisation is an umbrella charity formed to work with other charitable and community groups across the UK to help them raise funds for local worthy causes.

Over 250 groups benefit annually from the national profile,expertise and organisational support of the ARD organisation.

The ARD was founded in 1912 when Queen Alexandra started the first National Flag Day to mark the 50th anniversary of her arrival in the UK from Denmark. Thousands of volunteers sold roses in London for the benefit of hospitals and other charitable organisations.

Each year the ARD Flag Day is launched by the Prime Minister buying a rose on the steps of 10 Downing Street.

The Rotary Club of Westminster East has collected on ARD for many years to raise funds for local charities.On the 18th June 2008 some 15 Rotarians and Friends collected over £500 on the forecourt of Charing Cross Railway Station. This amount was subsequently supplemented by donations from Rotary Club Members so that a figure of £700 could be donated to the Westminster Children's Society for the essential work they undertake on behalf of the children of the borough .