More than £62,000 has been donated to Society Without Abuse (SWA) following this year’s Swindon Annual Charity Ball, as the Rotary Club of Swindon marked its centenary with one of its most successful fundraising events to date.
The cheque was presented at the charity’s new headquarters, Hill House, named in honour of Swindon Rotarian Tony Hill, celebrating both the Rotary Club’s 100th anniversary and the opening of SWA’s new town centre base.
The 2025 Charity Ball adopted the theme ‘100 years of Swindon Rotary and £1 million of impact’, recognising the difference the event has made to local charities over more than three decades.
For its landmark year, organisers chose to support a single beneficiary, with all proceeds going to Society Without Abuse. Two generous legacy donations helped the total reach £62,000.
Debbie Vincent, who has begun her second term as President of the Rotary Club of Swindon, said supporting the local community remained at the heart of everything the organisation does.
“Everything we do through The Rotary is to put ‘service above self’; to make a difference to local charities and help our community. The Swindon Annual Charity Ball is the highlight of the year. I’ve been on the Ball Committee every year since I joined the Rotary in 2012 and it’s one of the ways that we make the most difference to our local causes.”
Mrs Vincent is the first person in the club’s 100-year history to serve as President twice, having previously held the position during 2020/21.
She said she hoped to build on the club’s long history of community work.
“I’ve got a lot planned for this year and I hope to continue growing The Rotary in Swindon and working together with the other Swindon Rotaries as that will ultimately mean a bigger impact for the town.
“Swindon’s a great town, and we’re here in the community to make an impact. For 100 years we’ve supported activities and fundraising that makes a difference every day, such as the radiotherapy appeal, SWA and Prospect Hospice.
“The Rotary Club of Swindon is for the people of Swindon and as President I want to bring out the great potential of what our members can do for the town, and have fun doing it.”
The funding will help Society Without Abuse expand its services from Hill House, supporting people affected by domestic abuse while continuing its prevention and education work across the borough.
The charity’s HOPE programme helps survivors recover from the trauma of domestic abuse, while its Open2Change initiative works with perpetrators to reduce repeat offending. SWA also delivers education sessions for young people on healthy relationships and supports businesses and organisations in recognising the signs of domestic abuse.
Chief Executive Kate Rowland said the donation would have a lasting impact.
“We are so very grateful to the Rotary Club of Swindon for this donation. It will enable us to make such a difference to those in the town who are affected today by domestic abuse, as well as helping us work towards our goal of stopping domestic abuse from happening in the future.
“Together with our Survivor Shop in The Parade, Hill House will be a place of hope and strength in bringing the community together, as well as a lasting legacy of the impact of the Rotary too.”
Organisers also thanked the businesses and supporters who helped make the event possible, including band 247, RentEvent and Purple Orchid.
The Rotary Club of Swindon is currently welcoming new members and hopes its centenary year will inspire more people to get involved in supporting local causes.
