Scarborough RNLI launches Christmas appeal
Scarborough RNLI has launched its Christmas appeal after losing a lot of income as fundraising activities had to be cancelled due to the pandemic.
Scarborough RNLI has launched its Christmas appeal after losing a lot of income as fundraising activities had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The lifesaving charity has had to spend £1.2m this year to ensure its volunteer lifeboat crews and beach lifeguards had the vital PPE, such as face masks and gloves, to keep them safe. The RNLI says this was money the charity had not planned to spend.
Due to coronavirus restrictions, Scarborough RNLI had to cancel its annual flag and open days and other fundraising events.
Scarborough Ladies Lifeboat Guild had to cancel five lunches at the Red Lea Hotel and a coffee morning with the coxswain at Park Manor Hotel. In addition, the guild’s volunteers were due to take part in Scalby Fair, Rotary Fair, a summer fair at the boathouse, an afternoon tea at the Palm Court Hotel, a Xmas fair at Park Manor and a collection at Tesco.
The pandemic also forced the temporary closure of Scarborough RNLI’s shop, although it has now reopened, from 11am-3pm Saturdays and 1-3pm Mondays and Tuesdays. Items can also be bought online via: shop.rnli.org.
Andy Volans, Scarborough RNLI lifeboat operations manager, said:
“We were devastated to have to cancel our fundraising events, especially as it’s such a good opportunity to meet our local supporters.
“We’ve had a very challenging summer, rescuing those in difficulty in the midst of a pandemic; and with foreign holidays being cancelled we’ve received more visitors to our beaches.
“Throughout the pandemic, the crew at Scarborough have been ready to answer the pager and rescue those in difficulty. We have responded to 31 shouts since lockdown”.
Additional PPE and adapting to coronavirus restrictions has been challenging for Scarborough’s volunteer crew members and lifeguards. For 2020, the RNLI purchased 6.7m units of coronavirus PPE including almost 700,000 face masks, 2.4m gloves and nearly 5,000 litres of hand sanitiser.
Over the summer, there was a 64% increase in the number of recreational water users aided by RNLI lifeboats.
As a charity, the RNLI relies on the support of the public to continue saving lives. To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas appeal, visit: RNLI.org/Xmas.