Rotary clubs in South Wales have banded together for two key district projects during COVID-19.
Working with Dr Ashley Roberts, a consultant radiologist at Cardiff & The Vale University Health Board, the Rotary clubs have funded new style intubation boxes which allows staff to continue routine operations which had to be stopped during the pandemic.
Southern Wales Rotary Past District Governor, Peter Hamilton, said: “At a cost of just £60 per box, a single unit has been used successfully on more than 40 procedures representing amazing value for money and attracting growing national interest.
“I am proud that Rotarians in Southern Wales have been leading the way and addressing a critical need in these exceptional times and that every club that donated £100 has therefore funded at least one box.
A joint effort between Rotarians and Inner Wheel in southern Wales has produced 100 sets of scrubs for frontline workers. This is in addition to funding given by individual clubs in their own communities.
I am proud that Rotarians in Southern Wales have been leading the way and addressing a critical need in these exceptional times and that every club that donated £100 has therefore funded at least one box.”
Humanitarian Lead, Paula Pippen, took on the challenge to produce 100 sets, which took considerable organisation and co-ordination.
An appeal to find stitchers, quickly resulted in a combination of people coming together from Rotary, Inner Wheel, local sewing groups and individuals.
Helen Starkey, District Chair of Inner Wheel, said she was delighted they were able to work with Rotary on such an important project.
Peter Hamilton added: “I am acutely aware that many clubs have been producing masks, scrubs, wash bags, as well as money donations.
“I feel confident to say that Rotarians have donated well over £120,000 in cash and kind since March, which excludes all the many hundreds of volunteer hours.”
Hounslow Rotary has won a £1,000 Movement for Good award thanks to nominations from the public.
The West London club was one of 500 winners in specialist insurer Ecclesiastical’s Movement for Good awards, which is giving £1million to charities this summer.
Members of the public were invited to nominate causes close to their hearts, with 500 gifts of £1,000 available for donation. Some 13,695 charities were nominated by 253,879 members of the public.
This award will allow Hounslow Rotary to continue the work they have been doing in Hounslow to mitigate the ongoing effects of the pandemic. They hope it will also create opportunities for those in need in their community.
Mark Hews, group chief executive at Ecclesiastical, said: “We know that £1,000 can make a huge difference to the incredible work that charities do and we’re looking forward to seeing how this financial boost will change lives for the better.”
The three Rotary clubs in Exeter and Topsham have joined forces by donating an amazing £5,070 to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital’s ‘Help Us Help You’ appeal.
The money will go directly towards providing extra support and essential items for the wonderful key NHS staff.
Exeter Southernhay Rotary Club and the Rotary Club of Exeter initially gave a donation of £1,900 to the Appeal.
This was followed by two Thursday night ‘Clap and Donate’ collections in Countess Wear village and Topsham.
Thanks to the exceptional response from residents, a further£2,270 was raised in Topsham and £500 in Countess Wear.
A further contribution of £400 was then made, by Topsham Rotary Club, bringing the total figure to £5070.
David Garaway, president of Exeter Club, said: “We are delighted that Rotary in Exeter has been able to help our hospital at this difficult time, thanks to the public’s most generous support.”
In Ireland, Bandon Rotary in County Cork is continuing to work hard to support its community affected by the crisis.
“Our President elect is part of a caring line which gives support to people who are living an isolated life, need someone to speak to and help if needed,” explained Rotarian Roy Lee.
“Many of Bandon Rotary live in the countryside and have been visiting elderly neighbours, shopping, and offering advice and assistance during COVID-19.
“A member’s son is an expert in virus and pandemic control and is offering advice to Bandon Rotary members to give to the local business community.”
Many of Bandon Rotary live in the countryside and have been visiting elderly neighbours, shopping, and offering advice and assistance during COVID-19.”
The club is working towards organising a fund-raising golf day on August 14th at Bandon Golf Club.
And across the water on Merseyside, Birkenhead Rotary has been supporting a community social supermarket in the centre of the town.
‘Make it Happen’ is where you can pay what you can afford for items of food. Alongside this it is a centre for advice and community support initiatives.
The club has also been working with Neo Cafe, which it was supporting before the pandemic, providing either free or reduced cost meals to those in most need.
“About 18 months ago, a Rotary Foundation matching grant enabled us to purchase commercial level cooking oven and a vacuum packing machine for all the meals they deliver to various community centres,” explained Rosemary Murphy.
“We have also donated money to the Salvation Army centre which supports the homeless and many members of their community.”
