Support for good causes makes a huge difference
The Perth Silent Auction has raised more than £350,000 through the years.
And once again the annual fundraiser is going to boost a number of charities.
While the 2019 headliners are the Macmillan Cornhill Palliative Care Unit at Perth Royal Infirmary and the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, a number of local charities will also enjoy a welcome windfall.
Through the money raised in tandem with the Perthshire Advertiser, the Rotary Club of Perth has been able to support various organisations.
Over the last year, the club has supported Letham Community Sports Club, PKAVS, Social Bite, Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre Perth and Kinross, Perth Hospital Radio, Perth Dolphins, Perth Indigent Old Men’s Society, Perth and Kinross Prostrate Cancer Support, Samaritans of Perth, Canine Partners, Perth Six Circle Project, Perthshire Musical Festival, Perth Harbour Counselling Service, Vision PK, Perth and District Pipe Band, Coupar Angus Cycling Hub, Duke of Edinburgh’ Award Perth and Kinross Association, Fair City Singers, Perthshire Brass and others.
Jen Stewart, centre manager for the Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre Perth and Kinross (www. rasacpk.org.uk), said: “The support from the Rotary Club of Perth has helped us significantly with managing the core costs of our organisation.
“We have experienced a 123 per cent increase in demand over the last five years, with a deficit forecast in core costs for the year ahead.
“These costs are unavoidable in enabling us to continue providing a range of frontline services to survivors living in Perth and Kinross, including one-to-one support, groups, drop-in, advocacy and crisis support.
“Supporting over 200 survivors annually, and engaging with 5000-plus young people through our sexual violence prevention programme, is work that has happened thanks to supporters like the Rotary Club of Perth.
“We are thrilled to hear that another auction has been organised because the support from businesses and bidders really does make a significant difference to the lives of people living in our communities.
“Everyone at RASAC Perth and Kinross would like to say a big thank you for the continued support of the local community and wish good luck to all those bidding.”
Another past beneficiary is Perth Dolphins, a small club providing access to swimming tuition and competitions for people with a range of additional support needs.
Established more than 20 years ago, Perth Dolphins is run by a group of dedicated volunteers, including a qualified swimming coach. None of the volunteers receive any remuneration for their work with the club.
John Jones, club treasurer, said: “Support from the Rotary Club of Perth allows us to host the Eileen Gardner swimming gala at Perth Leisure Pool each year.
“This is an event that attracts swimming teams that support users with additional support needs from across the region. In addition, we have been
121119RASACPerth_01 able to purchase training aids for our service users that help develop swimming skills and strength.”
Perthshire Brass is another recipient of vital support from the Perth Silent Auction.
George Annan from the group said: “The Rotary Club of Perth has been a long time supporter of Perthshire Brass and this year has been no different.
“The generous donation helped us in our quest to provide an instrument to every young player who comes through our door.
“Our youth band has doubled in size this year, won the Scottish Youth Championships, and much of this is thanks to the help we receive from funders across Perth and Kinross.
“The senior band was second in the Scottish Championships this year, represented Scotland in the UK finals in September, and is, this month, welcoming even more young players as it moves up through the ranks.
“As an organisation, we are able to provide opportunities for players to perform in a wide range of events and could not do it without the support of so many generous funders in Perth and Kinross.
“I would encourage businesses and individuals to support the Perth Silent Auction as I see first hand how it transforms the lives of young people in our area.”
To donate a lot for 2019, or for any enquiry: