Generous Rotarians have clubbed together and raised more than £5,200 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
Twenty members of Colchester Forum Rotary Club organised a series of festive bucket collections, spending two days outside Tesco, in High Woods, and another two at Marks and Spencer, at Stane Park, Stanway.
They braved the elements from 10am until 4pm, collectively raising nearly £4,500.
Meanwhile, a separate fundraiser took place just before Christmas, jointly organised by The Rotary Club of Colchester Forum and Camulos Rotary Club.
Around 70 people gathered for a night of festivities at The Colchester Officers’ Club, including being treated to a reading of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol by Anthony Roberts, with musical accompaniment by Jamie Cunliffe. In the process, generous guests raised £720 for EACH.
Of the supermarket bucket collections, Colchester Forum Rotary Club member Tony Dutch said: “We were delighted and proud to raise nearly £4,500.
“We’re grateful to everyone who made a donation, as well as the stores for allowing us to set up camp for the day.
“EACH is a cause we’re thrilled to support and have a long-standing relationship with. It’s clearly a charity that resonates with many, because it’s local and all about children, which is especially apt at Christmas.”
Colchester Forum Rotary Club, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, has been raising funds for EACH for the best part of a decade, previously organising bucket collections at the city’s North station.
Reflecting on the event at The Colchester Officers’ Club, meanwhile, organiser Peter Herring said: “Many thanks to all those who supported the event and to Gillian Bober for providing the Christmas nibbles.
“Thanks also go to Anthony Roberts, for being kind enough to donate his time and wonderful acting skills, and Chris Highfield, for allowing us to hold the evening at The Colchester Officers’ Club.”
Representatives from the organisations recently presented cheques to EACH Senior Community Fundraiser Ali Butler.
“We’re so grateful to everyone involved,” said Ali.
“What a fantastic amazing amount of money – funds that will make a significant difference in terms of helping us continue our vital work, caring for children and supporting families across East Anglia.”
