Fundraising efforts a success for Peterhead RNLI
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The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has meant fundraising events came to a halt for charities across Scotland, and the RNLI was no exception.
The volunteers at Peterhead Lifeboat saw all of their usual annual fundraisers cancelled or postponed, so they decided to come up with new ways to raise much needed funds for the Station which houses a Tamar class all-weather lifeboat.
In the past four weeks the station has organised a Scavenger Hunt which saw the community of Peterhead search for the answers to questions created by fundraising secretary, Kelly Simpson.
A virtual Buttery Morning was held during Peterhead Scottish Week which saw families host their own event and send in pictures on social media, and last weekend some of the volunteer crew took part in the Tour O the Yalla Welly cycle.
A total of £1,565 has been raised so far.
Inspired by the crew at Appledore who launched the RNLI Tour de Yellow Welly fundraising concept, volunteer Craig Aird organised the event which saw eight of the crew cycle from Peterhead Lifeboat Station to Fraserburgh Lifeboat Station and back again – more than 40 miles!
A volunteer crew member at Peterhead for four years, Craig said: “The summer months would usually be a very busy time for us at Peterhead Station with a number of fundraising events planned.
“We are a charity so we rely on these events to help us to continue to save lives at sea, so we were trying to come up with other ways to raise money and awareness for the station.
"We are grateful for the support and donations from everyone – to raise that amount in just four weeks was incredible.
"It made the long cycle on one of the hottest days totally worth it!
“RNLI volunteers give their time for free but the money goes towards their training, equipment, lifeboats and shore facilities.
"Every donation is really appreciated.
“We’re looking forward to opening our doors to the public again when it is safe to do so, to offer some tours of the boat and the station but in the meantime, we are urging everyone to stay safe, protect others and save lives.”
RNLI Volunteer Crew members remain on call 365 days of the year, even in the pandemic, to man the coasts and waters.
This has meant adapting quickly to align with Government guidelines while ensuring they are still ready to respond when the pager sounds.
The Volunteer Crew at Peterhead have responded to their pagers nine times since the country officially went into lockdown on March 23.
