On our way to Rio without ever leaving the county
By the time you read this, supporters of the Kent Messenger’s Charity of the Year 2016 should be well on their way to achieving their mission to row to Rio.
But Dandelion Time’s fundraisers won’t even have left Kent as the rowing is being done indoors on rowing machines at more than 20 locations across the county.
The annual event is always a big fundraiser for the West Farleigh charity, which works with children and families who have suffered trauma, abuse or neglect.
Members of schools, businesses and organisations are either sponsored per mile, or make a donation in exchange for rowing as far as they can, and this year, inspired by Brazil’s Olympic Games, the charity hopes the total distance travelled will equal the 5,500 miles from here to Rio.
Cornwallis Academy in Hubbards Lane, Loose, and Maidstone Grammar School for Girls in Buckland Road took part while food company Cook sent 150 volunteers to Dandelion Time’s farm base in Charlton Lane last Friday to help clock up more miles.
Kings Hill health care products firm Kimberly Clark, law firm Outset, on the Vinters Business Park in New Cut Road, and Maidstone Invicta Rowing Club in James Whatman Way all held rowathons too.
We even had a rowing machine in our offices in Middle Row, loaned for free by the David Lloyd Centre, a gym, spa and swimming pool in the Lockmeadow complex, so our staff and readers could join in.
The total miles rowed, and amount raised, will be revealed next week but the charity is already hopeful the event will be a success.
Caroline Williams from Dandelion Time said: “We have been inspired by our Olympic athletes and this year we will be rowing to Rio. Each year, more and more join us to make this a great fundraiser.” The charity at 7 Mill Street is a household name but do you realise how many services it offers its elderly clients?
Age UK, which improves the lives of older people, is a descendant of groups started during the Second World War when Britain’s elderly were poor and vulnerable.
The charity has come a long way since those early days.
Last year the Kent Messenger ran its Give the Gift of Friendship campaign in support of the West Kent Befriending Service Maidstone’s Age UK branch runs with mental health charity Mind.
Although the campaign has finished, the service is still recruiting volunteers to talk to lonely people and improve their confidence and self-esteem.
Elderly clients can also socialise and receive therapies at one of Age UK’s day centres or learn to use a computer and browse the Internet at classes for over 55s.
Age UK loans wheelchairs, offers a community bathing service, holds exercise classes using a Nintendo Wii console and much more.