Rotary Shoebox Scheme

Giving Joy every Christmas

Perth Rotary members have been busy filling 50 Shoeboxes with gifts for disadvantaged children and families in Eastern Europe.  They are all new items which will give a smile to the face of someone who wouldn’t otherwise receive such gifts at Christmas.  Many of our members have participated and given their time and money to this worthwhile cause for many years and know the value to those it benefits.

This year Bill McDonald coordinated the provision of the scheme which entailed buying the boxes and bulk buying the appropriate gifts.  The club members contribute £15 to pay for box and gifts and volunteer to pack after one of our lunches.

There are many other organisations such as churches, schools and companies who now participate in the excellent Rotary Shoebox Scheme.  The Scheme was originally started by the North West Clubs and the Isle of Man in 1994.  It is a registered charity and national project run by Rotarians with organised local pick up points and a well organised distribution through trusted partners. 

Corporate member Sandy Dow of Spectraglass has for many years been the distribution point for the shoebox appeals. This is a lot of work for the company palleting all the shoeboxes brought in from the participating organisations.