On Saturday 1st August we held a garden party at Crowded House, where the sun certainly shone for us. 28 Rotarians and guests attended and enjoyed the food and drinks while chatting about everything and anything – not just Rotary. We were well supported by District: with the Immediate Past DG, plus another Past DG, this year’s DG and the DG Elect.
The primary purpose, in addition to enjoying a fun social occasion, was to raise funds for our sewing machine project, being run by Great Lakes Peace Centre in Kasese, Uganda. The sewing machines are for two of the women’s groups in the remote areas of the region. These machines will enable them to fulfill bulk orders for items such as school uniforms, enabling them to become even more self sufficient and provide extra income for themselves and their families. They are already making a living from the basic machines we provided three or four years ago. The new machines will increase their self respect and standing within the community.
The total cost of the new, advanced machines is £3,600. We have obtained a Rotary District Grant for 50% of this amount. Our Rotary club needs to raise £1,800. I am pleased to say that with Gift Aid on the donations , we raised £906 on Saturday, thanks to the generosity of those attending and also to the many Rotarians who could not.
We have a couple of other events organised, which in a relatively short time, should generate the outstanding balance we still need.
Nick Bell
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