Final collection for Betty’s Pots RNLI appeal

Oban RNLI Lifeboat fundraisers are arranging a final collection for Betty’s Pots as the appeal tops £2,000, writes

Fiona Scott.

The 5p collections raised more than £2,000 in the first 12 months with every penny raised going towards keeping the Oban Lifeboat ‘Mora Edith MacDonald’ afloat.

The appeal has been a successful fundraising campaign for Oban lifeboat, however it is currently suspended, owing to the ongoing Covid-19 situation.

Although 5p collectors can no longer drop off their pots at the collection points around Oban, Oban lifeboat’s fundraisers have arranged one final collection, in a bid to raise some much needed funds for the lifesaving charity.

Mike Robertson, Oban Lifeboat’s chairman said: ‘The voluntary service provided by your local lifeboat needs not just volunteer crew giving their time; but there are actual running costs too. A trip to the outer edges of the Oban ‘patch’ can require no less than 800 litres of diesel to refuel ready for the next call out. ‘Whether it is Betty’s Pots or another fundraising event, our local contributions are a very real help in making our boat available the next time it is needed.’

On Saturday August 29 and Sunday August 30, a drop off point will be set up on the North Pier in Oban. RNLI fundraisers will be on hand to collect any 5p pots between 10am and 2pm on the Saturday, and 1pm and 3pm on the Sunday.

Phil Hamerton, pictured above, Oban Lifeboat’s Fundraising chairman added: ‘If you’ve been holding on to your 5p pots, now is your chance to drop them off and make a difference to your local lifeboat station. We’ll look forward to seeing you there.’

Anyone attending will be asked to sanitise their hands and maintain 2m social distancing.