Rotary funds days out for children most in need

Twenty-five young carers from Kent reached sky high for a thrilling time recently when they took to the Skywalk at Folkestone Sports Centre.

Two high ropes sessions and were funded by four Rotary clubs from Folkestone Channel, Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh for the young carers aged between 10 and 15-years-old.

Rotary funded high ropes session Folkestone Sports Centre

It was one of a few events the clubs provide each year for the young people who selflessly give care to family members in daily need of their help. This has been especially so during the pandemic.

For the 21st year in succession, Colchester Rotary took children to the zoo, as part of the Rotary-sponsored charity, KidsOut.

Volunteers from Colchester Rotary took children to the zoo for KidsOut

Over 90 youngsters from four local schools had a wonderful day of fun, blessed by glorious sunshine. All the youngsters were provided with picnic lunches.

Despite Covid- restrictions, the youngsters and their supervising staff managed to visit all their favourite animals.

Wylde Green Rotarians have been in action, joined by their Inner Wheel colleagues and family members, litter picking in support of the Great British Spring Clean.

Rotarians from Wylde Green litter picking in support of the Great British Spring Clean

Their work in the Sutton Coldfield area of Birmingham ties in with Rotary International’s seventh avenue of service, which is all about supporting the environment.

Club President, John Baden, said: “One thing we have all learned to appreciate during the pandemic has been how fantastic are our open spaces. 

“Our members wanted to do their bit by joining the thousands of other litter pickers nationwide who actively demonstrate how much we care for the world in which we live. 

One thing we have all learned to appreciate during the pandemic has been how fantastic are our open spaces.”

“The work really does give a sense of satisfaction and makes us all realise how much we value where we live.”

Rotarian Gloria Barnett, speaker at the Rotary organised webinar reflecting on the environment

Staying with an environmental theme, Raheny Rotary, north of Dublin, has been coming up with new and innovative ways to fund-raise this year, as an alternative source of charitable funding.

The club organised a sponsored webinar, reflecting Rotary’s commitment to the environment by inviting Rotarian Gloria Barnett to speak. 

A former science teacher, her current focus and subject of interest is “The Importance of the Oceans”. This talk was a stimulating and very enlightening presentation by a renowned ocean adventurer, scuba diver, film maker, scientist and educator.

As a result, Raheny Rotary has purchased and distributed thee teacher’s resource packs to schools in the area.

• All books and resources available at: https://barnettauthor.co.uk/ 
• ‘Footprint to the Future’ https://footprinttothefuture.co.uk/ 
• Video footage by Gloria Barnett: https://barnettauthor.co.uk/videos

In Leicestershire, Lutterworth Rotary was more than happy to assist the town council in the preparations for the 100th anniversary of the erection of the war memorial.  

A group of six Rotarians and a member’s son met early Sunday morning to prepare and paint the eight bollards that stand in the vicinity of the memorial.

Before and after of the bollards, painted by Lutterworth Rotary, at the war memorial in Leicestershire

Meanwhile, hard-pressed staff at Darlington Memorial Hospital will be able to rest a little easier thanks to a donation from Darlington Rotary.

Hospital staff who have been working hard through the coronavirus pandemic have been given a boost following a donation of £1,500 which will enhance facilities in the hospital rest area.

More than 1,000 frontline staff will enjoy new furniture, microwaves, a television and water dispenser alongside the current facilities. 

The hospital staff’s fantastic professionalism, bravery and dedication to duty continues to help save and care for many Darlington residents, including those hospitalised by this terrible virus.”

Presenting the hospital trust with the cheque, Darlington Rotary President Nigel Little said: “We are proud to offer this modest donation to benefit Memorial Hospital staff.

“Their fantastic professionalism, bravery and dedication to duty continues to help save and care for many Darlington residents, including those hospitalised by this terrible virus.”

It is always important that we support our staff in the best possible way. And this contribution will provide them with much needed additional support and comfort.”

Nigel said the town owed all frontline staff a massive thank you for their ceaseless commitment. He added: “Our Rotary motto is ‘Service above Self’, and there can surely be no better demonstration of this than the hospital staff.”

Receiving the cheque, Professor Paul Keane, Chair of Darlington and County Durham NHS Foundation Trust thanked Darlington Rotary. 

Professor Keane said: “We are grateful for their generosity in supporting our remarkable staff who provide dedication and compassionate care in our hospitals and communities.

“It is always important that we support our staff in the best possible way. And this contribution will provide them with much needed additional support and comfort.”