The Rotary Club of Swindon North and Thamesdown proudly presented donations totalling £5,875 to several local charities at a recent special meeting.
The majority of the funds came from the Club’s annual Christmas Santa Sleigh Collection, which saw generous public donations outside Asda West Swindon, Morrisons Dorcan, and Tesco Superstore during the festive period. These efforts brought in thousands, much to the delight of the Rotary volunteers and beneficiaries alike.
Representatives from Prospect Hospice, Wiltshire Treehouse, Youth Adventure Trust, Samaritans, and Swindon Carers were in attendance to receive their cheques in person, sharing moving words of thanks and outlining the impact the support would have on their organisations. Collectively, these five charities received £4,500.
An additional £875 was awarded to MIND and the North Wiltshire Association for Motor Neurone Disease. This sum was raised through a fundraising quiz held in March – an event that not only gathered vital funds but also united the community in shared purpose.
Owens World Foundation, another worthy recipient, benefitted from the Christmas Sleigh Collection with the funding of two Bleed Control Kits at £250 each. These life-saving kits have already been deployed in key locations across Swindon.
Charity representatives shared how the donations would make a real and lasting difference. Sarah Bear from Wiltshire Treehouse said:
“This donation will go towards providing bereavement support groups for children and young people within Swindon and Wiltshire. When everyday life becomes a challenge, we are there to guide and support children and their families. We receive no statutory funding – donations such as yours are vital.”
Natalie Levin from the Youth Adventure Trust added:
“We support vulnerable 11-15 year olds in this area. Your donation will help young people from our local community build resilience, develop confidence and learn life skills that will help them achieve more than they thought possible. Thank you!”
Owens World Foundation also expressed their thanks: “These kits ensure the immediate implementation of bleeding control measures during emergencies. Their portability allows them to be deployed rapidly – increasing the chances of survival until professional help arrives.”
The evening was a poignant reminder of the Rotary Club’s ongoing commitment to supporting those in need across the town and the region.
With their hands-on approach and passion for making a difference, Swindon North and Thamesdown Rotary Club continues to be a driving force for good.
