Midlands fund raising goes swimmingly for RNLIFor a lifeboat charity, raising funds in the Midlands might seem like an unenviable task. But for the Coventry Branch of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) it has turned out to be plain sailing.
But for the Coventry Branch of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) it has turned out to be plain sailing. It has been raising money for the RNLI for over 30 years, and despite being based further away from the coast than any other branch, the dedicated team has continued to raise valuable funds for the charity. Through street collections and the sale of RNLI Christmas cards, the team of just eight fund raisers, led by Coventry Branch chairman Grant Matthew and secretary Bernard Brownhill, raised over £11,100 over a 12 month period. Despite the economic climate, the amount raised has surpassed the total donated in the 12 months prior to this. It is also the third consecutive year the branch has seen an increase in the number of donations. The funds will be presented to the RNLI’s treasurer by BBC Coventry and Warwickshire presenter Bob Brolly during a special maritime celebration at the iconic Coventry Transport Museum on Saturday, June 19. An RNLI lifeboat will be on display outside the museum and Coventry Model Boat Club will be bringing some of their models to the special event, which will run from 9am onwards. Coventry Sea Cadets will also be in attendance and will have one of their boats at the site. Harvey Williams, long-serving president of the Coventry Branch of the RNLI, said: “This is an incredible result for our branch, which is furthest from the sea in the UK. “It is unbelievable in a particular time of recession and in my many years associated with the branch I have never heard of such generosity by the Coventry people. “This result will greatly help save lives at sea by the many voluntary boat crews who are risking their own safety every day and night of the year. “The RNLI is something which is vital for everybody in the country no matter where they are based. “Not only does the charity provide support around the coast but it also provides lifeguards across the country, as well as support for areas hit by inland flooding. “I regularly hear from many people in Coventry who have called on the vital services of the RNLI across the coastal waters in times of trouble and distress - and so people in this part of the country benefit from the important work of the RNLI as much as anybody else.” The handover event at Coventry Transport Museum is open free of charge to everyone and families are encouraged to bring youngsters of all ages and genders. If you wish to donate to the Coventry Branch of the RNLI or to become involved in fund raising activities contact Grant Matthew, RNLI Coventry Branch chairman, on 01676 532847. ENDS Media enquiries: Simon Gilbert Advent Communications 2 Edison Building Electric Wharf Sandy Lane Coventry CV1 4JA Tel: 024 7663 3636 http://www.advent- # # # Advent Communications is a well-established public relations consultancy based in Coventry. In ten years it has built a reputation as a practical provider of news driven PR to a range of industry sectors. End
|
|
