Cheques for charities from Taunton Vale Rotary

Three local Somerset Charities have benefited by over 13 thousand pounds following recent donations from Taunton Vale Rotary Club.

Five thousand pounds was handed over to the Taunton East Development.  It was the final part of a 15 thousand pound promise made three year’s ago to support the work in the Halcon Lane and areas of the town. The chair of Trustees, Paul Hughes, says “The funds from Taunton Vale Rotary Club – and resultant reputational benefit -  have been critical in underpinning the charity’s ability to secure long-term stakeholders.  In turn this has supported both core and new activities in the community, to the benefit of many residents”

More recently a cheque for 4 thousand pounds was presented to Ups and Downs South West, the Somerset organisation serving children and young people, their parents/carers and linked professionals dealing with the health and education of children and young people who have Down Syndrome.  Receiving the cheque, Joanna Thorn, the charity’s director, said “the monies would enable Support Workers to help more families, particularly those with older ‘adult’ children who receive very little support form statutory authorities”.

The third presentation was to Taunton based, CHARIS refugees. Receiving the donation of £4,175, CHARIS C.E.O. Gordon East said: “I have enjoyed meeting and getting to know the Rotarians this year and I have been very impressed by how the members of the Rotary work tirelessly to support charities and other good works in the community. It’s fantastic. CHARIS will use the donation to provide support to the refugees and asylum seekers that come through our doors here at Hammet St in Taunton. It will make a significant difference to the service we can provide.”

Top: CHARIS Directors receiving a cheque and (below) Joanna Thorn Director for Ups and Downs South West receiving a cheque from current Rotary President Richard Austin