Windsor Lions delighted with results of their ‘Local Heroes’ campaign – so are the ‘Heroes’!
The recent ‘Local Heroes’ campaign, devised by 11-year-old Aiva Purchase and brought to life by Windsor Lions club, has seen the fruits of its labours in the presentation of a number of cheques to the winners.
Aiva, whose dad Alaster is a member of the Lions, came up with the idea in her bedroom one Sunday morning and presented it, fully formed to her delighted father. The campaign created an online poll via Windsor Lions social media page and asked locals to nominate and vote for their favourite local group or organisation.
A small group from Windsor Lions recently made a ‘safari’ around the top three winners to present cheques. After the votes were counted, in first place were Eton Excelsior and Windsor Girls Rowing who won £1500. Their Junior Membership Secretary Catherine Chandler was delighted with the win and shared that their main aim is ‘a push to get more girls into rowing’. Currently there are more than 50 in the junior squad, hopefully to be further increased by a successful first breakthrough year for Windsor Girls School Boat Club being represented at prestigious Henley Royal Regatta earlier this month. But this money will go towards the cost of an Octuple Sculling Boat and Blades, which will cost over £30,000 in total.
Next on the safari tour was the King Geroge VI Centre who galvanised the second highest number of votes from their supporters and were awarded £1000 by Windsor Lions. Meeting at their clubhouse in Clarence Road, Windsor, Trustee and Volunteer Heather Boyle told the Lions that the Centre aims to provide a safe and friendly environment, where members are encouraged to maintain their independence and wellbeing through activities and social interaction. Central to this activity is their Minibus which shows signs of ageing and lacks various essentials like a tail lift for less able members. The Lions’ money will be put towards this project to buy a new one – a total of around £30,000. Heather reported on various other activities undertaken to raise funds ‘I’ve even undertaken a fire walk – over hot coals – all in the name of our minibus fund!’
The final port of call was Windsor and Eton Sea Cadets who were awarded £500 for their third place in the poll. Sub Lieutenant Commander Fay Williams told the group a little about the Sea Cadets ‘We offer a range of different activities for 10- to 17-year-olds, from sailing, windsurfing and powerboating – to rock climbing, camping, and music – plus, so much more! The aim is to help young people grow into the person they want to be.’ Their plans for the funds are putting it towards a laptop which will be used to provide the 50 plus cadets with on-line training.
Summarising the project Past President Martin Tocher said ‘This has been a great start for this innovative project – and very much points the way forward. It’s so good to hear about all the wonderful groups and their activities out there in our community that might not otherwise get the recognition they deserve. We certainly hope to grow it in the coming years ‘.
