Presentation of Tablets to two local groups

Rotary International has 1.2 million members from over 200 countries around the world, providing service to others through a network of fellowships of business, professional, and community leaders. The Rotary Foundation, or Rotary’s own charity, is supported by contributions from Rotary members, Rotary Clubs, friends of the Foundation and our generous and supportive public. Those contributions, gifts and donations are transformed into service projects that change the lives of thousands of people across the world.

Each year, The Rotary Foundation gives $70 million worth of grants to Rotary clubs throughout the world for humanitarian projects, vocational training and scholarships within 7 specific areas of focus. Ranging from small-scale, short term activities to large, international projects, Rotary grants strengthen global partnerships and provide sustainable and measurable benefits to communities. Grants from The Rotary Foundation support over 1,000 projects every year.

Rotary Clubs from across the south of Scotland have co-ordinated their efforts to secure a substantial grant from The Rotary Foundation to provide Amazon Fire Tablets for the use and benefit of those suffering from dementia, particularly during this current COVID pandemic. The tablets have been equipped with specific Apps recommended by Dementia specialists. We have worked in Partnership with Dixons Carphone who are delighted to be able to support the Rotary Foundation and our clubs with sourcing the vital tech for the use and benefit of dementia sufferers.

The Rotary Club of Hawick is pleased to confirm that nine tablets are being distributed locally to help an unfortunate and apparently increasing number of dementia sufferers. Six tablets have been presented to Jim Sykes for the benefit of the Dementia Cafe, and three to Dr Murray Watson to help with the activities of Hawick Rugby Memories Club.

One of the Project leads Jo Pawley from Eyemouth & District Rotary commented, ‘Rotary in Southern Scotland and particularly in the Borders is delighted to be able to reach out to those most vulnerable in our communities and provide another means by which they can make much needed contact with their loved ones, especially at a time when we all need our families close by.’

President of Hawick Rotary Club Ron Smith added 'I can only thank most wholeheartedly The Rotary Foundation and Rotary District 1020 which covers south eastern Scotland for making these tablets available to us. In turn we have been delighted to be able to show our support for Jim and Murray in their work to support individuals and families who may be seeking help in coping with memory loss or dementia.'

The photographs show:

Front row: left Mairhi Trickett - Convenor of Vocational & Community Committee, and right Ron Smith - President & Secretary Hawick Rotary Club

Middle row: left Jim Sykes coordinator of Hawick Dementia Cafe, right Dr Murray Watson - coordinator of Hawick Rugby Memories Club

Back row: Hawick Rotarians Gus Neilson, Scott Elliot, Jim Walker, Iain Smith

Presentation took place at Hawick Rugby Club's Mansfield Park ground - directly related to the Rugby Memories Club and a spot of particular significance also to Jim Sykes who lost his wife through dementia three years ago. They attended Hawick matches and sat in this area throughout the period in which her illness developed.

Borders Area clubs participating:

Hawick, Jedburgh, Duns, Eyemouth, Melrose, Selkirk, Galashiels, Kelso, IWT (Innerleithen, Walkerburn, Traquair)