ONCE again 2021 has been a different and difficult year for all within the charity and community organisation sector.
As a club we have been able to meet in person for part of the year but have spent much of the year meeting on our phones and laptops over Zoom.
Having been provided the opportunity to open a ‘pop-up’ charity shop by the owners of the Westway Centre, the work by volunteers from the three Rotary Clubs in Frome was thwarted by the January lockdown.
When we were eventually able to open in April ’21, the shop really took off. The support from the Frome community was tremendous, the shop has provided a great facility for residents to obtain bargains as well as stop unwanted materials going to landfill.
The shop has been run by members of the three clubs, all of whom are volunteers. It has been great to have the interaction with the community and for the clubs to be able to support local charities with the proceeds from the shop.
Members of the clubs have continued to support and provide assistance to events and organisations around Frome.
Unfortunately, throughout the year many events have been cancelled but we have enjoyed supporting the Cheese Show, Frome Carnival’s Fete, Glow in the Park, the Frome Half Marathon and many more.
Many Rotarians also volunteer at vaccination centres, food banks and work with local organisations to provide physical support and assistance to those in greatest need.
We have been pleased this year to be able to run a full programme with the Christmas Float run in partnership with Frome Lions.
Our members, who have acted as collectors and marshals, have enjoyed the wonderful reception from residents as we tour around Frome and villages and especially pleased Santa has come down from Lapland to support us.
The donations this year have been exceptional, don’t forget you can donate online if you did not have any cash for the collectors; we will report on the Santa float’s success early in January.
This year the Rotary Clubs in Frome have been able to provide £71,000 of financial support in the local community. Over £65,000 has gone to 22 local schools, charities and support groups and £6,000 has supported 22 families who have needed help in these difficult times.
The Rotary Clubs in Frome are part of an International organisation, Rotary International, with 1.4 million volunteers with an aim to “unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves”.
As part of support for the International Community, we have provided £4,000 through the Rotary Foundation, to support global initiatives such as eradicating polio from the world.
Frome is a town with great community spirit but there is always a need to support those who are in difficulty and membership of Rotary provides a conduit to support those in greater need as well as having camaraderie and forming friendships that will last a lifetime.
Please contact us if you feel you can help. Rotary in Frome: fromerotary@ gmail.com
