Local Rotary News – Rotary Club of Fareham

ROTARY CLUB OF FAREHAM Badgers, Foxes AND children supported at Stubbington Study Centre!

Each year the incoming Rotary President chooses a particular local charity or community initiative to support and, for 2020/21, President Mike Hurley selected the Stubbington Study Centre.

If you live locally you probably know about this interesting outdoor education venue which is proven to have a significant and lasting impact on children’s learning and well-being. In the current times these experiences are needed even more and, with Rotary’s help, a number of children will be able to benefit who might not otherwise have been able to do go. James Scarborough, Head of Stubbington Service above Self Study Centre, said “For over 85 years,

generations of Hampshire children have been given the opportunity to enjoy our 14-acre seaside site. Many of the children are on their first trip away from home with school and make huge gains in resilience and self-confidence while learning about the world around them.”

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“Stubbington Study Centre offers hands-on, practical activities exploring nature and the environment, local culture, teambuilding and problem solving in such a way that learners of all abilities can succeed and have fun”,

said President of the Rotary Club of Fareham Mike Hurley. “That is why I chose the Cen-

tre and I hope, with everyone’s help, we can make a positive difference.”

Fareham Shopping Centre is lending a hand too and Mike Taylor, Centre Manager, is providing the space for the Rotary Wishing Well which is now the Club’s collection point for Stubbington Study Centre. As Mike said “I am happy that

we support them, knowing that funds raised will help children whose family situation may mean that they could not otherwise join their classmates.”

The Rotary Club of Fareham will carry out fundraising for Stubbington Study Centre throughout Mike Hurley’s Presidential year and looks forward to the help of the generous people in the Fareham area to help with this community project.

Photo show (1) children at the Study Centre exploring a rock pool. (2) Fareham Shopping Centre Wishing Well with L-R Mike Taylor, James Scarborough (Head of Stubbington Study Centre), President Mike Hurley & Rotarian Lyndon Palmer. (3) L-R pond dipping with L-R President Mike Hurley, James Scarborough, a friendly badger and Mike Taylor from Fareham Shopping Centre.

We know it’s a long way before Christmas but the Rotary Club of Fareham, along with other Rotarians across the UK, are actively involved in sending presents to disadvantaged children many miles away. This year, with the virus problems worldwide, these children particularly need an extra hand from caring people at Christmas.

Children in Albania, Montenegro, Moldova and Romania will receive shoeboxes from us and YOU can help. Either make up the gift yourself in a shoebox for a boy or girl in one of four age groups, and the contents should be new. You can include items such as hats, gloves, scarves, socks, flannel, toothbrush and paste, soap, hairbrush and maybe a soft toy or educational book or game. A leaflet explaining everything is available for download, on our website https://bit.ly/38LmHTu As international lead for the Rotary Club of Fareham, Jon Richards, says “You don’t have

to include all the items listed. Our aim is to put a smile on the faces of children who might not otherwise receive any presents this Christmas. We need to send them out early to be in time for the festive season.”

If you can’t make up shoeboxes you can still help by donating £17 per box and we will buy the contents and make up boxes for you. If £17 is too much, just donate what you feel, and we’ll consolidate with other donations. Please send your donation to JustGiving (search Rotary Club of Fareham) allowing Gift Aid, if you can, and we will do the rest.

Time is of the essence so that we can get the shoeboxes sent out to arrive for Christmas and your help is greatly appreciated. Any queries email Jon Richards on

farehamrotary.shoeboxes@gmail.com

Photos show children receiving their gifts and also our Wheel House which supports our local community and is one of the venues receiving your shoeboxes.