Rotary appeals for more volunteers

Rotary clubs in the North East are on the lookout for new members to boost their ranks of community volunteers.

During the pandemic, Rotary members throughout the region have been helping stock food banks, donating supermarket gift cards, making and distributing vital protective clothing, providing free school meals, delivering books to care homes, collecting much prescriptions, and shopping for vulnerable and elderly people.

With the demands on support services set to increase, Rotary International is urging those that can, to step forward and get involved.

The organisation says voluntary work will play a critical a critical role in facing the economic and social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Amanda Watkin, general secretary for Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland, said “Lockdown has given many of us the time we lacked beforehand to step forward and help out. With many people on furlough leave for the foreseeable future, for some, there has never been a better time to volunteer.”

She said that, while the coronavirus crisis has made many people more altruistic, more challenges lie ahead – and volunteers will have a vital role to play moving forward.

She added: “The damage to the economy and the inevitable impact on employment, along with spiralling issues around mental health and loneliness means many will rely heavily on volunteers and wider support services.”

Visit www.rotarygbi.org