Record-breaking year for the Saffery Rotary Walk (25 September 2023)

Record-breaking year for the Saffery Rotary Walk.

£100,000 donated to charity in Rotary's 100th Anniversary Year.

It was a record-breaking year for the Saffery Rotary Walk, in terms of both the number of registered walkers and sponsorship funds raised.

The 25th round-island walk, held in June, saw over £100,000 raised for 25 local causes, and Guernsey’s Rotary and Inner Wheel service clubs, thanks to the fundraising efforts of more than 1,000 walkers.

Walk Chairman, Simon Milsted, announced the impressive figures at a presentation evening on 25 September, hosted by His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor at Government House.

“I am overwhelmed by the level of support from our walkers, raising such a tremendous amount in the Walk's 25th year. Not only is it particularly fitting that we exceeded £100,000 in the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the first Rotary Club here in Guernsey, but we have now smashed through the £1 million barrier for funds donated since first inception of this fabulous event” said Mr Milsted.

Guests at the event, which celebrated the efforts of walkers, organisers and volunteers, included a representative from each of the 25 beneficiary charities, sponsors and walkers who had received special awards.

Lieutenant General Richard Cripwell CB CBE presented cheques to the charities and seven awards to individual and team walkers for their achievements. The Lieutenant-Governor spoke highly of the exemplary contribution that the charitable sector makes to Guernsey life and praised the Rotary Clubs for the continued support of countless local causes made possible in no small measure by way of the annual Round Island Walk.

Individuals receiving awards included Harry Wallace, 9, [Youngest Walker], Keith de Carteret, 83, [Oldest Walker], Sam Teers [Saffery Selfie winner] and Alice Falla [prize draw winner]. Casey Rosamond received the award for most sponsorship raised by an individual, while the team of Past Rotary Presidents raised the most in the relay team category.  

The Peter Walker Award for Endeavour was awarded to the Rosaire Community Association after residents of Rosaire Court, and some of their family members, walked circuits of the Rosaire premises, covering the total 39-mile distance of the Walk. They were also joined on the day by Saffery Trust’s Joe Cardoso-Smale and other Rotarians in support of their efforts.

Saffery Trust Director, Lisa Vizia, said the presentation evening was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the achievements of everyone involved in the Walk, as well as recognising the charities.

“We want to say a huge congratulations to everyone involved in this remarkable year for the Walk, and for the generous donations and sponsorships raised by our walkers, without whom, this would not be possible. This really was a fitting celebration of Rotary’s milestone year.”

The Saffery Rotary Walk Committee also extended its thanks to the Lieutenant-Governor, Mrs Cripwell and the staff of Government House for their hospitality and continued support of the event.