Unable to undertake traditional methods of raising funds for World Polio Day, Lanark Rotarian Maggie Clark organised an innovative and fun way to raise funds using Zoom to host a virtual cookery event entitled ‘Pastry for Polio’.
The idea came from a work-based initiative to stimulate fun and improve teamwork during lockdown.
Maggie Clark cooking up a storm for charity.
She said: “I simply adapted the occasion in an entertaining way to bring Rotarians together while raising funds to support an important Rotary cause.
Eleven Rotarians from Lanark and members of two other clubs from District 1020 baked, with varying degrees of success, Halloween Brownies and Flaky Pastry.
The session was led by Kristine Kelly, a pâtissier who has worked in a Michelin-starred New York restaurant as a pastry chef.
‘Pastry for Polio’ raised £250, demonstrating yet again the can-do attitude of Rotarians to overcome obstacles and find different and fun ways to contribute.
Thanks to The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation every £1 raised will be match-funded by two-to-one.
Pastry for Polio’ raised £250, demonstrating yet again the can-do attitude of Rotarians to overcome obstacles and find different and fun ways to contribute.”
In north-east England, a socially-distanced month-long sponsored walk organised by Darlington Rotary has raised more than £1,500 for local Covid-hit charities.
Two different routes were scoped out and Rotary members and friends completed either a three and a half mile or eight mile walk during October at different times and dates to comply with Covid restrictions in place at the time.
Rotarians David Selby and Derek Risbey put the plan together, covering routes in the countryside around Gilling West in North Yorkshire and including Aske Hall, Gillingwood Hall and Jagger Lane.
David said: “Dozens of people did the walks and we raised a total of £1,558. Derek and I reconnoitred the routes with family and other Rotarians in September and provided guidance notes for those who did the walk in October.
“We are delighted and want to say a big thank you to fellow Rotarians and friends for such a great outcome, which will benefit charities in Darlington, many of whom have been badly hit by the Covid restrictions.”
Dozens of people did the walks and we raised a total of £1,558. Derek and I reconnoitred the routes with family and other Rotarians in September and provided guidance notes for those who did the walk in October.”
It is hoped that the walks will become an annual fund-raising event for Darlington Rotary, which raises thousands of pounds annually for local and international charities.
David added: “It was a new challenge for us taking detailed notes along the way. We hope to repeat the event next year on different routes but maybe a little earlier with the hope of better weather.”
After a series of fund-raising events, Yeovil Rotary has donated £3000 to The Hub, a Yeovil-based charity that provides support and training to people with learning disabilities and autism.
During the Rotary year from July 2019 to June 2020, Club President Clive Wakely nominated The Hub as one of his chosen charities. Co
Events held by the Rotary Club included its ‘Last Night of the Proms’ concert and popular Christmas Community Draw, together with a series of smaller fund-raising activities such as coffee mornings and raffles.
After a series of fund-raising events, Yeovil Rotary has donated £3000 to The Hub, a Yeovil-based charity that provides support and training to people with learning disabilities and autism.
Accepting the cheque on behalf of The Hub was the charity’s Delivery Manager Chris Newman. He confirmed the donation will be put to excellent use as they develop the centre’s facilities and educational services.
Chris said: “Our work focuses on training to empower the lives of people with learning disabilities and autism, helping each individual to achieve their own personal independence, support their community and work together.
“Donations like this make a huge difference to the running of the Hub, particularly this year as due to the COVID issues, gifts and donations have been few and far between, which makes this generous amount even more valuable.”
