Colin Derrick has raised £20,000 for local charity, Charity Link, during his year as President of The Rotary Club of Leicester which comes to an end this month.
Colin set the ambitious target last July and he has since been busy organising a variety of fundraising activities and events, including an online auction of promises, theatre trips, raffles, a Christmas carol concert and a picnic at Kelmarsh Hall in Northamptonshire – all to raise funds to support Charity Link’s work helping local people in hardship or crisis.
Due to Charity Link’s unique way of working (for every £10 donated Charity Link can untap £50 from charitable trusts across the UK – all of which goes to support local people in need) the funds will actually help to provide £100,000 worth of essential items, including food, clothing, beds, cookers and mobility equipment.
Colin says: “I am delighted to have reached the fundraising target I set 12 months ago. It was harder than I could have ever imagined, but I am extremely thankful for the tremendous support I have received from fellow Rotary Club members and the wider community – and not least my wife Elaine who has made more sandwiches and cakes than I care to remember!
“I have learnt so much about Charity Link’s vital work here in Leicester over the past year and I am extremely proud of the difference these funds will make to help improve the lives of local people in need.”
Susan McEniff, Director of Charity Link adds: “Colin has worked so hard during his year in office, not only to raise this fantastic amount of money, which will make a huge and tangible difference to vulnerable local people, but also to shine a much-needed spotlight on Charity Link’s work by giving numerous talks to organisations and local businesses about how they can lend their support. We hope he now enjoys a well-deserved rest!”
The Rotary Club of Leicester has 60 members, drawn from men and women living in, or whose business serves, the city of Leicester. The club meets on a Monday lunchtime at the Mercure Leicester Grand Hotel.
Charity Link works to ensure that all local people have their basic needs met, no matter what crisis, illness, disability or difficulty they may be experiencing. Last year the charity provided over £700,000 of essential items to individuals in need, including food, clothing, beds, cookers and mobility equipment.
