In these truly unprecedented times, it is increasingly difficult to find ways of raising money for good causes which comply with the tiers of restrictions and rules for social distancing.
And yet, charities have never been in more need of funds.
At Bedford Castle Rotary, their fund-raising committee, led by our Past President Charles Codrington, has raised more than £30,000 for charity in the last nine months.
Thanks to a positive ‘can do’ attitude, as well as tremendous support from the local community, the club has raised a staggering amount of money.
Bedford Castle Online Charity Auction
The club’s annual charity lunch scheduled for last March in aid of Keech Children’s Hospice had to be cancelled because of the pandemic, despite 300 tickets being sold.
However, most guests allowed their ticket money to go forward to the charity, boosted by sizeable donations, to raise £16,000 from the event that never was!
A sponsored abseil off one of the tallest buildings in Bedford raised £1,000, and an online charity auction, hosted by TV auctioneer, Charles Hanson, fetched a further £14,000. The money will be going to the charity School Readers and the Bedford Day Care Hospice.
Bedford Castle Rotary President, Tony Wilding, said: “We believe there is an innate willingness in the community to help those less fortunate and in need. When tapped into with ingenuity and resolve amazing things can happen.”
In Northern Ireland, Portadown Rotary President, Kate Adams, joined Lurgan Rotary President, Roland Sewell, to hand over a cheque for £3599.95 a special school in the province.
The money was presented to Heidi Clarke, acting principle of Ceara School, for the purchase and installation of musical instruments for the school’s sensory play area.
The gift is the result of fund-raising by the two clubs, which has been aided by a matching grant from The Rotary Foundation.
Also in Northern Ireland, Portadown Rotary Club has launched its annual remembrance tree collection. The Lord Mayor of Craigavon, Cllr Kevin Savage, placed his cheque in the collecting box at the launch of Christmas initiative, with all proceeds going to the Southern Area Hospice.
In the West Midlands, Wylde Green Rotary is supporting FOLIO Sutton Coldfield, a community group of residents who want to see public libraries not only survive, but to thrive at the heart of the community.
FOLIO Sutton Coldfield has been providing online talks about various aspects of life in the area, past and present.
Thanks to a donation from Wylde Green Rotary, facilitated by generous, private benefactors, FOLIO will now be able to ensure even more people can enjoy these talks and learn about fascinating local stories, curious characters and beautiful buildings and spaces across the town.
The pandemic and lockdown have encouraged more people to go online to stay in touch. We are pleased to be able to help this very worthwhile cause reach out into the community much more easily.”
Wylde Green Rotary President, John Baden, said: “The pandemic and lockdown have encouraged more people to go online to stay in touch. We are pleased to be able to help this very worthwhile cause reach out into the community much more easily.”
In Hampshire, the Wishing Well in Fareham Shopping Centre has been collecting money from generous shoppers for many years and helping charities to reach their goals.
Now, during lockdown, Fareham Rotary has presented a further £837.68 to the Myotonic Dystrophy Support Group, boosting the £4,000 which the Club has already raised.
Immediate Past President Michael Cleaves, who was born with muscular dystrophy, says “I am so pleased that our club, with the shopping centre’s assistance, has been able to continue its support for children with this muscle-wasting condition.
Photo at the Wishing Well shows L-R Mike Taylor, Centre Manager of Fareham Shopping Centre; Jane Ward of Dementia Friendly Hampshire; the President of the Rotary Club of Fareham Michael Cleaves; and Rotarian Lyndon Palmer.
“It will hopefully also help for a better understanding through information, advice and research.”
In addition to the monies collected for muscular dystrophy, the Centre’s own charity Dementia Friendly Hampshire also benefited with a donation of £1232.68 which will support the Fareham and Gosport Group.
