Apply now for 2019 charity funds

Monday 05 November 2018

Charities can apply now for a cut of the money from one of Guernsey's biggest annual fundraising events, the Saffery Rotary Walk.

The 2019 event will be held in June as it has been for the last 21 years, and if it's as successful as it was this year, it will see tens of thousands of pounds shared between a number of local good causes.

More than 700 walkers took part in the 2018 walk, either completing the whole 39 mile route themselves, or as part of a relay team, with £61,000 distributed between 20 local charities.

Pictured: Some of the 2018 walkers were presented with awards in recognition of their fundraising. Over its 21 years the Rotary walk has seen 7,000 people take part, raising more than £740,000 in total.

Among the recipients of some of the 2018 proceeds was the Bright Beginnings Nursery and Pre-school Children's Centre. Manager Teresa Bott said, “we are very grateful to have received funds from this year’s walk - it went towards providing book bags for our Great Expectations reunion groups.  

"We are encouraging new parents to read to their children from a young age to promote the importance of early language and literacy. As a charity, Bright Beginnings Children’s Centre couldn’t carry out the important work we do without the help and support of the community. I’d encourage any charity to apply for funding.”

Simon Milsted, Chair of the walk’s organising committee said: “The money raised by the walkers each year makes a real difference to a range of organisations within our community. Every year the walk gets more and more support. It’s evolved into a really well-loved community event, and this is in large part due to all the fantastic work that the supported charities do for the island.”

Lisa Vizia, Director at Saffery Champness and member of the walk’s organising committee, said: “Since Saffery Champness took on the headline sponsorship in 2014 we have found it to be a really inspirational event. It is an opportunity for us to help raise funds and awareness of many local charities. If you are involved with a locally-registered charity I would highly recommend applying. Along with our regular beneficiaries we are also really keen to hear from new charities who have not received funds from the walk before.”

Pictured: Some of the walkers who took part in the 2018 Saffery Rotary Walk.

The organisers are now accepting submissions from projects of all sizes which will be considered for a share of the money raised in 2019. Applications can be made by any locally-registered charity or not–for-profit organisation in need of financial support for a specific initiative. Requests for funds to cover general running costs will not be considered.

Applications must be received no later than 17:00 on Friday 30 November 2018. Forms can be downloaded online here and should be returned via email to info@safferyrotarywalk.com. 

Forms can also be collected from Saffery Champness’ office at La Tonnelle House, Les Banques, St Sampson’s and all details and guidance can be found on the website.  

Pictured: Walkers taking part in the 2017 Saffery Rotary Walk.