THE manager of a Rotary Club charity shop in Launceston has said ‘thank you’ to the local community for their generous support this year, which has in turned helped others.       

Sandra Maizels, Launceston Rotary Club shop manager, said: “If you have ever shopped at the Rotary Community Shop in Southgate Street – this means you! 

“This shop is unique in that it is run entirely by 26 unpaid volunteers — both Rotarian and non-Rotarian — with the sign above the door saying “Support Your Local Area” and that is exactly what we do.

“The money you spend is put to good use as it goes back to the town and surrounding area in the form of grants. 

“Any group or society can apply for help, and during the last 12 months 24 grants totalling over £14,000 have been given, ranging from £270 to just over £1,000, with the average amount being £500.”

Thanks to these donations the club have been able to assist youth groups and schools, the arts with music workshops, folk dance events, and are proud sponsors of the Charles Causley Festival. 

The environment has had a helping hand when the club planted trees as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy, bee-bombed with wild flower seeds, and supported the Forest for Launceston and Launceston in Bloom. 

Sport, science, mental health and civic events like the carnival and Christmas lights have also been beneficiaries.

Sandra continued: “In addition to all this, £5,000 is set aside to be used for disasters, with a maximum donation of £2,000 at any one time. 

“In a year of one disaster after another the largest donation was for the Turkish earthquake appeal with the bucket collection of £420 added to £1,400 from the shop. This was sent to Shelterbox, a DEC approved charity, which provides temporary housing. 

“They are based in Truro and are themselves a Rotary initiative and now a major international humanitarian organisation. Donations were also made to Aquabox, which provides water purification kits, and is yet another Rotary project.

“Charities are not supported by the local grants, but a portion of the income from the shop is set aside to be given to charities, preferably those which benefit the people of Launceston. 

“In addition, the shop is a collection point for used bras, which are sent to Against Breast Cancer and raise money for breast cancer research. 

“We also receive spectacles and hearing aids which are given to the Launceston Lions for their work, and we have a reciprocal arrangement with the Food Bank Shop so that nothing is wasted.”

Sandra added: “The scope of this shop is enormous and reaches many parts of the world as well as our own locality. This is entirely due to you our customers, so well done Launceston, and keep up the good work. This shop is unique, and it is all yours.”