Swindon Rotary has marked a major milestone after surpassing £1 million in charitable support for local causes during its centenary year celebrations.
Almost 200 guests gathered at the DoubleTree by Hilton Swindon for the organisation’s Centenary Swindon Charity Ball, an evening which combined fundraising, live entertainment and a celebration of the club’s 100-year history in the town.
The event highlighted the Rotary Club’s long-standing contribution to charities and community groups across Swindon, with organisers confirming the annual charity ball alone has supported more than 100 organisations since it first began in 1989.
This year’s event focused solely on supporting Society Without Abuse (SWA), a Swindon-based charity working to tackle domestic abuse through prevention, education and recovery support.
Guests were entertained throughout the evening by performances from the Tanwood School of Performing Arts and interactive drumming act The Drum Waiters.
SWA chief executive Kate Rowland said fundraising support from organisations such as Swindon Rotary remained vital as demand for services continues to rise.
“Fundraising events like this are so incredibly valuable to charities. This money raised by Swindon Rotary will make a massive difference to those who are experiencing and recovering from domestic abuse in Swindon,” she said.
“3.2 million adults were recognised as victims of domestic abuse in the UK last year, and this will mean many more children experiencing the harm of abuse within their homes and families.
“SWA passionately believe that after 50 years of supporting victims and seeing the devastation of this, reducing the prevalence and harm caused by domestic abuse is vital.”
Swindon Rotary has supported SWA for almost three decades, previously helping fund developments at the charity’s former refuge building as well as equipment and activities for survivors rebuilding their lives.
Rotary president Richard Deacon said the centenary year had been an opportunity to reflect on the organisation’s lasting impact in the town.
“Since our inception in 1926, Swindon Rotary Club has raised many millions of pounds for charities locally, nationally and internationally, as well as supporting many projects that have made Swindon a better place to be over all those years,” he said.
“I’m sure those who founded our wonderful club would be very proud to know that we are still going strong after 100 years.”
Alongside the celebrations, the organisation has also released a commemorative publication charting its history and major community projects across the last century.
More information about Swindon Rotary and its centenary book can be found via Swindon Rotary’s official website.
Anyone affected by domestic abuse can contact Swindon’s domestic abuse helpline on 01793 610610.
