John Thomson reports:-
Ian Bennett and his team of Nicola Antoni and John Thomson exceeded
expectations with this year's record shoebox appeal. Over 500
shoeboxes were gathered in, against a target of 400, and of 374 in 2012.
The project was noteworthy because, firstly, the Club decided to collect
for deserving children in the UK supported by the Honeypot Childrens
Charity, instead of the hitherto annual Rotary scheme for disadvantaged
children overseas, and, secondly, the number of local schools who
contributed was more than doubled from five to eleven.
In addition to superb support from the Club, especially Alan Blair's and
Mike Eyers' contacts, the supporting schools were Brockenhurst Primary,
Tiptoe Primary, Foxhills Infants, Lyndhurst Infants, Copythorne Infants,
Netley Marsh Infants, Calmore Infants, Calmore Junior, Abbotswood
Junior, Oakhill Primary, and Totton College.
It was Ian's recommendation and leadership to support Honeyport, which
has proved to be an excellent vehicle to benefit some of our UK
disadvantaged children. Nicola and John shared the school collecting
workload, with Peter Stewart organising Tiptoe. At the close,
President Ted (who formally received many shoeboxes from the schools)
and Ray Dawes took an array of photos, particularly for feedback to the
contributing schools. The accompanying small selection shows
Brockenhurst Primary and Lyndhurst Infants children handing over their
shoeboxes, and the Club presentation to Honeypot at their New Forest
respite holiday home on 23 November 2013.
A thank you letter to the Club and schools from the Chief Executive of
Honeypot extols grateful thanks for bringing some seasonal joy to many
vulnerable and deserving young children, and Ian and his team are
indebted to everyone, within and without our Club, for willingly
supporting the cause and making it a success. (JKT)
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'What We Do' Main Pages:
Christmas Party pictures
more'Treasure gathered by our Rotary Club from Rotarians, schools and scouts for children who are carers for their loved ones.
moreSupported by New Forest Rotary the Annual Gateway Games at Brockenhurst College attracted over 40 competitors with learning difficulties. Eastleigh won with New Milton 'M Chicks' winning the annual Rotary trophy for team spirit.
moreChristmas Party
moreFlyer shows some charities supported recently.
morePresentation by Tina Richardson of Wessex Heartbeat to President Ian Frame of Certificate of Support on completion of pledge to raise £1,500.
moreWe assisted the Totton Spiritualist Church in their project to give an Easter Egg to all children being supported through the Churches food bank. Also additional food and clothing for the Food Bank itself.
moreGateway Annual Games-press article attached
moreOutgoing President Tina hands over the chain of office to new President for 2023/24 Ian Frame of Lyndhurst & Brittany after rip-roaring year as our FIRST Lady President (but not last!)
moreThe following document by Laura Luff, the Senior Development Manager, sets out the LifeLab initiative.
more