At the Zoom meeting attended by 36 Rotary Club and Rotary Satellite Club members, we were treated to a fascinating and informative talk from Audrey Slater. Audrey is a volunteer fund raiser for Marie Curie in Northern Ireland

It was the first time Audrey had given the talk and she coped admirably, delivering an excellent account of Marie Curie activities during the current pandemic.

After retiring as a Grammar School Teacher, Audrey wanted to volunteer and after seeing the care and support that Marie Curie provided to one of her friends, she decided to become a Fund Raiser for them. Audrey`s current position with Marie Curie is Chairperson for a local fundraising group of 8 people.

Originally known as "Marie Curie Cancer Care" they are now known a "Marie Curie Care and Support Through Terminal Illness". Their current services in addition to providing Nursing Care include: Bereavement Counselling, Information and Support, including support materials for Corona Virus during the current pandemic.

Marie Curie weekly costs of £2.5 million are met totally by donations and grants, with income being very much reduced now due to normal types of fund raising not being possible. In addition, Charity Shops have been closed due to Covid 19. Virtual events like a Twilight Run in Belfast and a Day of Reflection on the Pandemic are being planned for March 2021. These events are being managed jointly with nurse organisations and other front-line groups, to raise awareness and bring in much needed funds.

After a question and answer session, the vote of thanks was given by Rotarian Brian Stokes.

If you wish to know more about the Church Wilne Rotary and how the members aim to make a difference in the local community of for more information on Rotary, our speaker evenings, events and the main activities organised by our club please contact our Secretary, David Hewitt at: rccw1220@gmail.com

Rotarian Brian Stokes
For Church Wilne Rotary