Incredible generosity once again

Ahuge thank you to everyone who has supported our Rotary Clubs in the area during 2018. The generosity of people from all walks of life in giving what they can enables us to do so much good. Long may we con- tinue to be able to do this for our community.

2018 was really special for St Ives Rotary Santa and his elves as they reached two huge milestones. Firstly, the wonderfully generous residents of St Ives and surrounding villages donated over £10,000 for the first time ever. With Gift Aid added in it took the total to over £12,000 - an unbelievable amount. Secondly, since 2005, the stewardship of Santa’s Sleigh has been in the safe hands of Rotarian Ken Millard and his wife Val. They have put in a huge amount of hard work, as well as constant good humour, to make it the success it is. This year’s record donations mean that, since 2005, St Ives Rotarians have collected over £100,000.

Credit must go to Ken and Val, but she said: “It’s not just us who have made the Santa Sleigh such a success, it is the enthusiasm of the whole club and our friends. It has been a joy to have been part of this team. The amount collected over the years, has meant we have been able to help many local people and organisations.”

Members of Deepings Rotary and Lions clubs strode out for nearly 1,000 miles bringing Christmas cheer to people of all ages in and around the Deepings area. They also raised a record-breaking amount of just over £10,000 for their local charities in the process. Supported by Interact, family and friends, they took their Santa sleigh out in all weathers through the streets of Deepings and surrounding villages. The foot slogging marathon was well worth the effort, as the Santa sleigh set a new record for this popular annual fundraiser.

Rotarian Carl Midgley said: “Rotarians, Lions, their families and friends all believe taking Santa on his rounds is wonderful. Witnessing the simple joy on the faces of young and old alike when they see Santa come down their street is brilliant.”

Lion Vince Sterland added: “We had a brilliant collection this year with amazingly only two wet nights.”

Peterborough Rotary Club celebrated their Christmas with a special dinner where 75 people were entertained by the Salvation Army Brass Band – a wonderful start to Christmas celebrations. Carols were played and diners sang along whilst donations (with Gift Aid) given during the dinner were counted. Rotarians were delighted to present the Salvation Army with just over £1,300 for their work. They were even more delighted to receive it. This is a tradition of the Peterborough club and one they hope to continue for many years.