TWO good causes have benefitted from the fundraising efforts of kind-hearted Tameside Rotary.
The club’s volunteers recently celebrated its Ninth Charter Anniversary Dinner by presenting £2,500 each to its chosen charities.
One of which was Our Kids Eyes (OKE), which provides activities and events throughout the year to make a positive impact on the lives of Tameside children and their families.
The other was Go Dharmic, which works to relieve suffering through serving in disasters, advocating for peace, developing schools and alleviating food poverty.
Part of the money donated came from the Rotary’s flagship Beer Festival – which was another resounding success at Hyde Town Hall in September.
The cheques were presented by Manhar Taylor, who explained that he had selected those organisations to support during his presidential year because of the “amazing humanitarian work they carry out to support families in need”.
He added: “OKE offers support, information and activities to families who have children with special needs, while Go Dharmic works to relieve suffering through serving people caught up in humanitarian or environmental disasters and advocating for peace.”
Held at Denton Golf Club, the event was attended by the Civic Mayor of Tameside Cllr Betty Affleck, her Consort Declan Fitzpatrick, Rotary District Governor Jean Billingsley, fellow Rotarians, representatives from other local Rotary clubs, and special guest speaker Hemal Randerwala from Go Dharmic.
Hemal outlined the emphasis of the movement’s work, explaining how it was aligned to the underlying principles of ‘Ahimsa’ which means the ‘non harming of our planet’ and, by way of illustration, read out an inspiring extract of an essay written by Arun Gandhi – the grandson of Indian activist Mahatma Gandhi.
The Civic Mayor gave a short speech outlining the valuable work that Tameside Rotary undertakes – including a Carol Service on Saturday, December 7, which she will attend, jointly arranged with the Ukrainian Association in Ashton-under-Lyne.
Everyone is welcome to attend the service at the Ukrainian Centre on Stockport Road, which starts at 2.15pm, and donations will help raise more funds for Tameside Rotary’s appeal for baby incubators for Ukraine.
The evening concluded with Jean Billingsley, Rotary District Governor, congratulating Tameside Rotary for its work and advocating the vital role Rotary clubs play in serving local communities.
Tameside Rotary undertakes community service projects and fundraises throughout the year to support those in need.
The club’s Santa is once again taking to his sleigh and touring the streets of Ashton-under-Lyne in the run-up to Christmas.