On the 18th of November, Joe Sullivan of Channel Rotary, together with Folkstone Rotary hosted a ‘Giant Thank You’ event for the club’s volunteers.
The two clubs from Kent celebrated the special evening at the Three Hills Sports Park. Over 100 volunteers, sponsors and supporters attended the event.
The focus of the evening was to recognise the volunteers for their time and resources, helping make fundraising and covid management programmes as successful as they were.
Due to the support that the clubs have received the clubs have raised around £80,000 for local charities, even with public donations falling through, Rotarians showed the true Rotary spirit and stepped up to help.
The funds were raised by events like the popular Folkestone Channel Triathlon and Folkestone Rotary Half Marathon.
Due to the support that the clubs have received the clubs have raised around £80,000 for local charities”
In addition, a team led by Joe Sullivan has resourced and managed 700 volunteer marshals for the two Folkestone Vaccination Centres which have carried out 170,000 vaccinations so far.
The vaccination programme alone had accounted for 20,000 man hours (roughly 1 person doing a full-time job for 10 years).
President Gary Calver of Channel Rotary presents the cheque to Dan Hume, CEO of Shepway Sports Trust
Ray Johnson, next year’s President of Folkestone Rotary, then reviewed their achievements. He was followed by Folkestone Town Mayor Michelle Keutonius who shared her appreciation and gratitude for the amazing support of everyone.
Michelle said “Never underestimate the lives saved, and changed, by the efforts of everyone.
“Volunteers don’t get paid because they’re worthless. It’s because they’re priceless!”
You don’t have to join Channel Rotary but we hope you will remain as our very good friends.”
Joe Sullivan concluded the evening by giving his personal thanks to everyone and to the sponsors who had generously supported the club’s activities.
Joe closed by issuing a new challenge to the volunteers and said “We have enjoyed your company for the past year and hope you will continue to help us bring some happiness into the lives of less fortunate people.
“You don’t have to join Channel Rotary but we hope you will remain as our very good friends.”
