DESPERATE times need desperate measures’ and that was just the catalyst the Letterkenny Rotary Club needed for them to be inventive in order to raise money for charity during the past few months.
The Rotary Club are very grateful to all who contributed and supported the first ever Virtual Christmas Tree of Remembrance.
While this Christmas Tree of Remembrance was foremost a fund raiser in years gone by for the St Vincent de Paul Society primarily and other local charities as well, the Rotary Club realised that over the years it had turned into pretty much a community service – used by many of the same people annually by becoming part of their Christmas tradition, to call to the tree in the Letterkenny Shopping Centre and write their own personal messages remembering loved ones during the festive season.
Coronavirus put paid to that in 2020 and the Rotary Club tried to fill that void by setting up the first ever Virtual Christmas Tree of Remembrance with the financial assistance of Donegal Oil, Divers Hyundai Garage, Letterkenny Shopping Centre and Rotarians, which in turn enabled people from all over the world to submit dedications for their loved ones, both here in Co Donegal and abroad.
A magnificent net amount (less online transaction costs) of €2,250 has this week been presented to the St Vincent de Paul Society, again digitally due to current health guidelines and social distancing.
With the recent donation after the Winter Woolly Warmer virtual 5k, this brings a total contribution to the SVDP of €4000 which is very much appreciated by the group, especially as demands on their services over the Christmas season was at an all time high.
With so many demands on finances and all charities needing support, we are very grateful for the continued support.
Thank you to everybody at home and abroad who have participated in these two virtual events and enabled the Rotary Club support our local charities financially.
Who would have thought that under a year ago that we would be having our weekly Lunch Meetings virtually never mind hosting virtual fundraisers? ‘Desperate times need desperate measures’ as we all adapt to our new environment and ways of working.
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