Evening meeting - Gordon Michie Fundraiser from Scotlands's Poppy Factory

Thu, Nov 29th 2018 at 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm


On Thursday 29th November 2018 President Anne Sampson welcomed 15 Club Rotarians, Rotarian Doreen Gray from the Rotary Club of Cupar and 4 other guests of members Cllr Derek Noble, Kay Johnson, Wilma Page, Catherine Robertson and guest speaker Jodie Whitham to this our monthly evening meeting which was held at the Gilvenbank Hotel, Glenrothes. 

On reception, this week were Archie Lawrie and Peter May,

President Anne Sampson sought, and approval was confirmed from the membership that the proceeds from our Christmas collection went to the Luke Veelenturf appeal. Due to a combination of physical disability and sensory difficulties, Luuk uses a wheelchair for distance. He fatigues easily and can only propel himself for a short time before tiring and having to stop.
That could all change with the addition of a Smartdrive MX2 to Luuk's wheelchair. This little, but very expensive, piece of equipment simply clips onto the rear of his chair and turns it into a powered wheelchair, which Luuk will be able to operate himself. This will allow the family to get out and about even when Dad is working. Ultimately though, it will bring a new level of independence to Luuk. Unfortunately it costs £4900

Our speaker this week was Jodie Whitham from Poppyscotland who provide life-changing support to our Armed Forces community. They reach out to those who have served, those who are still serving, and their families at times of crisis and need by offering vital, practical advice, assistance and funding. They believe that those who serve or have served, whether regular or reserve, are deserving of their support to live life fully without disadvantage after service.  No veteran should live without the prospect of employment, good health and a home, and they all have a part to play in achieving this.

Poppyscotland is best known for running the iconic Scottish Poppy Appeal, but they work all year round to help those who have served, those still serving and their families receive the care and support they urgently need.

The Scottish Poppy Appeal raises over £2 million each year. This, combined with their other year-round fundraising, enables them to provide tailored support and funding to thousands of ex-Servicemen and women as well as other vital services in advice, employment, mobility, respite, housing and mental health support.

They were established in 1921 as The Earl Haig Fund Scotland but adopted their current name and logo in 2006 to reflect their revised fundraising activities and welfare services work.  In June 2011 Poppyscotland merged with their sister charity The Royal British Legion (TRBL), which operates in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, to form the largest charity group supporting the Armed Forces community across the whole of the UK.  They continue to operate as a distinct charity within the TRBL group of charities, relying entirely on public donations to allow them to continue their life-changing work.

Last year they raised more than £3.6 million in voluntary income and spent in excess of £3 million on our charitable activities.  To put that into context, they must raise more than £10,000 a day to continue their work.  they pride themselves as being as transparent as possible and take very seriously the huge trust the Scottish public place in them when they make a donation.  That is why they publish their full, audited annual report and financial accounts every year on their website, as well as a summary of this in their annual review.  They welcome any questions over how they use the funds that are entrusted to them and are committed to making sure the vital services that the Armed Forces community urgently need are provide by Poppyscotland as efficiently and effectively as possible.

The Rotary Vote of thanks was given by Tracy Thomson

This coming week on Thursday 6th December 2018 will revert to a lunch time meeting to be held at the Gilvenbank Hotel. please meet 12.45pm for starting at 12.55pm on reception will be Alistair McLeod, Iain Oates and Peter May. Our speaker this week will be Yvonne Georgeson from Alzheimer’s Scotland when we will be presenting a cheque.for £704 as a result of Iain Oates Glasgow run when he raised this money for the charity.

If you were interested in supporting the community and international projects get in touch by Private message on The Rotary Club of Glenrothes Facebook page. You will be made most welcome.

'What We Do' Main Pages:

a diary of all school /Rotary events 2018_2019

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Rotarians visiting the School's special anniversary celebrations

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Annual Kids Outing

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Rotarians planting flowers at Riverside Park

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Page for Presidential Handovers

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A showcase of our annual awards Evenins

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Glenrothes Rotary Club Environmental projects

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Thank you from Shelter Box

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Glenrothes Rotary Club are participating in the Books Abroad Project and will be collecting books from the end of March 2021

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Our annual primary school quiz

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Lindsay Anne and Ewen

Annual past presidents dinner

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