(April 02, 2012, Paisely Daily Express)--A GROUP of determined Burns fans travelled all the way to North America – so they could help sick Ethiopians. The six determined members from Renfrew Rotary Club launched the ambitious fundraising drive through a link with their Canadian counterparts.
They travelled to the small town of Havelock, in Ontario, to take part in a Burns Night where cash was raised to buy a special motorcycle ambulance for the African country.
Also on the shopping list was a wind-up radio for children in Africa so that they can be schooled remotely. Jim Naismith, President of Renfrew Rotary Club, explained how the transatlantic link-up came about. He said: “I own a house in Canada and Havelock is the nearest place with a rotary club to where I stay, so when I’m over there on holiday, I attend their meetings.
“This led to the two clubs twinning and, when two clubs twin, they work to raise money for projects.” The decision to buy a motorcycle ambulance for Paisley came about because one of the Renfrew club’s number, Derek Louttit, is a member of the Scottish Ambulance Service. “Derek, who is our International Chairman, thought this would be an appropriate choice for fundraising and we all agreed,” Mr Naismith said.
The £6,000 cost of the ambulance has now been met and is on its way to Africa. “We held fundraising events such as a curry race night, a raffle and bag packing at Marks & Spencer among other things,” Mr Naismith added. “The ambulance is now being delivered and is between South Africa and Ethiopia. “The village of Havelock has a population of only 1,400 and a small but very active rotary club who do a lot within the community and wider rotary circle.
“President Jim Naismith, from Renfrew, has been visiting the Canadian Club now for the past eight years and, this year, a long-time friend, Dan Redka, took over the reigns in Havelock.
“This seemed like a perfect opportunity for the two clubs to work together on an international project and the idea of transplanting a truly Scottish Burns Supper took root. “The night caused such a sensation in the village and wider community that plans are already in hand to make this the first of an ongoing annual event.
“The two clubs also took the opportunity to twin with the Renfrew club, presenting a ceremonial quaich to their newly-found Canadian friends. “Hopefully, the friendship, fellowship and working together towards good causes will continue.”
Source: Paisely Daily Express
They travelled to the small town of Havelock, in Ontario, to take part in a Burns Night where cash was raised to buy a special motorcycle ambulance for the African country.
“This led to the two clubs twinning and, when two clubs twin, they work to raise money for projects.” The decision to buy a motorcycle ambulance for Paisley came about because one of the Renfrew club’s number, Derek Louttit, is a member of the Scottish Ambulance Service. “Derek, who is our International Chairman, thought this would be an appropriate choice for fundraising and we all agreed,” Mr Naismith said.
The £6,000 cost of the ambulance has now been met and is on its way to Africa. “We held fundraising events such as a curry race night, a raffle and bag packing at Marks & Spencer among other things,” Mr Naismith added. “The ambulance is now being delivered and is between South Africa and Ethiopia. “The village of Havelock has a population of only 1,400 and a small but very active rotary club who do a lot within the community and wider rotary circle.
“President Jim Naismith, from Renfrew, has been visiting the Canadian Club now for the past eight years and, this year, a long-time friend, Dan Redka, took over the reigns in Havelock.
“This seemed like a perfect opportunity for the two clubs to work together on an international project and the idea of transplanting a truly Scottish Burns Supper took root. “The night caused such a sensation in the village and wider community that plans are already in hand to make this the first of an ongoing annual event.
“The two clubs also took the opportunity to twin with the Renfrew club, presenting a ceremonial quaich to their newly-found Canadian friends. “Hopefully, the friendship, fellowship and working together towards good causes will continue.”
Source: Paisely Daily Express
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