A time of change at Rotary Club of Waterford

It’s all change at the top as Nora Widger takes up the reins as president of the Rotary Club of Waterford. Ms. Widger was welcomed as the new president of Rotary Club of Waterford on the 20th July by outgoing President Anne Marie Caulfield.

Ms. Widger has been a Rotarian for 6 years and her fellow members were delighted to welcome her in as their new president for the forthcoming year.

Ms. Widger said: “I am honoured and privileged to become the President of Waterford Rotary Club for 2015/2016. Through the many projects and events which Waterford Rotary run the Club provides community service to both local and international communities.  This is perhaps the best reason for becoming a Rotarian - the chance to do something for somebody else and the self fulfillment and satisfaction that comes in the process . Waterford Rotary Club is in existence for 47 years and I am looking forward to ensuring that the dedicated work undertaken in the past is continued in my year as President".

  

Ms. Widger is a well-known Waterford City business woman. She previously managed Bank of Ireland Branches in Tramore, Dungarvan and Waterford City and more recently worked as Senior Manager on the Banks Customer Experience Programme. A  previous President of Waterford Chamber, Nora continues as a director of the Chamber. Nora also sits on the board of SEBIC, on the BOM of Butlerstown School and is a committee member of Butlerstown GAA Club.

  

The Rotary Club of Waterford, Ireland is a very active club with dedicated members working on many projects throughout each year. The past 12 months have been particularly busy for former president Anne Marie Caulfield, with the Rotary Club of Waterford presenting  a total of €20,000 to a number of local  charities including Waterford Hospice, The Ronald McDonald House, Pieta House, St Vincent de Paul and Solas.  €5,500 was sent internationally to support the  Rotary Shelter Boxes for Nepal, Rotary Sand Dam Water Project and the Belarus Dental Project.  

The club is active all year round organising activities such as charity cycles, celebrity chef nights, community events and of course the annual memorial Christmas Tree and their very successful annual Senior CItizens event which is held on Shrove Tuesday annually.

Waterford Rotary meets every Monday except Bank Holidays in Tower Hotel Waterford, Ireland at 1pm until 2pm. If you are interested in becoming a member of Rotary Club of Waterford full details can be found on the Rotary Club website or by contacting president@waterfordtotary.org. 

Solas Centre South East Run for Life – looking for fundraising inspiration?

September is here, the kids are back to school and the South East Run for Life is less than a month away.

The annual 10 mile run, which takes place on Sunday, October 5^th,  is a week earlier this year, so that means a week less for training and a week less for fundraising.

The South East Run for Life differs from other events because, while it does not have a registration fee, it is a fundraising event for the South East Cancer Foundation and the more money raised, the more people and families affected by cancer can avail of the cancer support services at the Solas Centre.

As a registered charity, 100% reliant on donations, it is the generosity and commitment of the people of the South East that enables the South Eastern Cancer Foundation to continue and further improve the services it provides to those affected by cancer.

Claire Moriarty, Chair of the SERFL committee, is urging those who intend to partake in the 10 mile run to pick up sponsorship cards and start fundraising today.  “While the run does not have a registration fee, there is a cost to organise this event and that is why the fundraising effort is critical to the Centre’s continued success.”

“We are looking forward to seeing some fun, quirky, and just plain mad fundraising events over the coming weeks.”

“There are loads of tried and tested fundraising ideas that work so well for charities, but we have been warmly encouraged by many of our supporters who are raising funds through fun events.”

According to Claire, “Bank of Ireland Lisduggan will hold a Solas Centre Orange Day this month.  The branch will be decorated in a sea of orange, the staff will wear orange on the day and will be selling orange cupcakes in an attempt to fundraise for the Solas Centre.”
“The Sportif Cycling Club has organised a 200km cycle in the aid of the Solas Centre and we have been told that Book Clubs throughout the South East will hold fundraising events to raise money for the event.”

If you are taking part in the South East Run for Life on Sunday, October 5^th and are looking for some fundraising inspiration, you could try some of these:

·         Offer to walk neighbours/friends dog for a fee while training!

·         Organise lunch time walks – pay as you go!

·         Raise money by organising a training group with friends

·         Host a South East Run For Life pre event; BBQ/Lunch/Coffee Morning

·         Organise fun events with family and friends before the event e.g. egg and spoon race,         mini-  mini marathon around the estate/local area etc. 

·         Talks and demonstrations – e.g. book readings, cookery demonstrations

·         Sell unwanted gifts or clutter

Every year across Waterford, Wexford, Tipperary, Carlow and Kilkenny 2,000 people are diagnosed with cancer.  This year the Solas Centre aims to have 2,000 sponsored participants run, jog or walk the 10 mile route; that’s one runner, to match every person diagnosed.

The centre is a haven for those affected by cancer, where they can avail of confidential, informal and free support services such as counselling, psychotherapy therapy, massage, reflexology and support groups provided by highly trained individuals in a professional manner.

Sponsorship cards are available to download at www.solascentre.ie, or can be collected from the Solas Centre at Williamstown, Waterford.  Alternatively you can visit Beat 102 103 studios or AIB branches.

For further information contact the Solas Centre on 051 304604 or check out the ‘Solas Centre South East Run for Life’ Facebook page or Twitter @solascentre