FOR almost 100 years, St Helens Rotary has been caring for our community.

Whether it be the annual Rotary Christmas sleigh raising funds for worthy causes, or events held throughout the year, the voluntary led organisation has made a huge impact on our town.

Never has their importance been more felt as during the Covid-19 pandemic when they collected 530 coats for the less fortunate, designed a poster including QR codes highlighting 18 local charities that offer support for a specified need in the crisis as well as completing numerous litter picks and establishing a Heritage Trail in St Helens, promoting the town and therefore increasing its people’s aspirations and wellbeing.

St Helens Star:

Despite this, the award win came as a shock for the key members.

Paul and Gaynor Winstanley said: “It feels amazing after 99 years and us approaching our centenary in 2023, that’s 99 years of work in this community and to be awarded the community impact award for that feels incredible, it truly does.”

Another member Alan Dickinson added: “The rotary has raised a quarter of a million over the years for St Helens and dedicated thousands of volunteer hours to help those in need. We don’t do it for applause but it’s lovely to get praise for what we do.”

Paul added: “The motto is Service Above Self and that’s true for all of us, we have many members and it’s all voluntary, we do it because we can. We make friends along the way and enjoy it but we do what we can because we can and want to support those in need.”

Angela Farrell, a newer member of the rotary, said: “We are a traditional club but a very progressive one too. All together we bring different things to the table to find the best solution to any issue and we are great friends too.”

Other members collecting the award included; Keith Unsworth, Simon Hairsnape, Nicky Monk, Martin Byrne and Joel Wood.