No rest for the Rotarians

Bugs 2 Butterflies Organisers, Colin and Julie Bascombe

Kind-hearted members handed out £1,750 to several organisations in time for Christmas.

Bugs2Butterflies – which provides educational, recreational and leisure activities to young people in Blackpool aged four to 16 – received £500.

The Salvation Army – which runs the Bridge Project – homeless charity Streetlife, and Aspired Futures – which offers therapeutic services to vulnerable young people – were each awarded £250.

Members also agreed to donate £500 to the charity Feet First, founded in 2003 by Blackpool Victoria Hospital Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Steve Mannion, who is a member of Blackpool South Rotary Club.

It aims to treat clubfoot in the developing world, and currently focuses its resources on two countries Malawi in Central Africa, and Laos in South East Asia.

Rotarian Jeffrey Meadows said: “The above donations amounted to £1,750 and were only made possible by the generosity of the public who have supported our fund-raising activities.

But we did not rest on our laurels.

“During the run up to Christmas, we were fund-raising for the North West Air Ambulance, our local lifeboat crews, the North West Blood Bikes and local worthy causes.

“We are grateful to the management of Tesco Extra, Clifton Retail Park and Morrisons at South Shore Retail Park who allowed us to collect at their stores.

“Our members and friends were accompanied by Santa.

“Town Crier and Honorary Club member Barry McQueen attended Morrisons on one occasion to greet shoppers.”

Almost £1,400 was raised which will be shared equally between the three lifesaving charities and local worthy causes.

Blackpool South Rotary President Eric Hind said: “Children love to talk to Santa and perhaps have their photograph taken with him.

“We made no charge for this, but gratefully accepted any donations.

“We are so grateful to our wonderful public and we fully appreciate that there are many worthy charities collecting, particularly at Christmas time.”

The members of the Rotary Club of Blackpool South are keen to hear from anyone interested in supporting local worthy causes.

Ton get involved, call Rotarian John Singleton JP on (01253) 886036 or 07759 156338.