'Volunteer Sue' is up for auction to help Tobermory RNLI save lives at sea
A beautiful ‘Volunteer Sue’ quilt is up for auction courtesy of local Tobermory crafter, Kathryn Campbell.
The quilt has been donated to Tobermory RNLI’s Fundraising Branch to help raise funds to save lives at sea.
Kathryn explained: ‘In December of 2017 the members of my quilting group on Facebook (UK Quilters United) were challenged to produce a wall hanging depicting “Sunbonnet Sue - Out of the Box”. Sunbonnet Sue along with her friend Fisherman Fred were twee little characters devised in the 1800s that appeared in illustrated anecdotes to teach children about everyday life. The characters are still known for their large hats which take away the problem of showing their faces. Living in Tobermory, so close to the Lifeboat Station, I am very aware of the amazing service all the volunteers provide and so, my idea (with some prompting from my husband) was born. Sue was to be a volunteer too! But not only that, I would offer up my endeavour for auction to help to raise some funds for the local lifeboat station’.
Dr Sam Jones, Tobermory RNLI's Lifeboat Operations Manager said: 'We're very grateful to Kathryn for donating this beautiful quilt to our fundraisers. It is very apt as since the station re-opened in 1990, there has always been at least one woman on the crew.'
The auction will run until Lifeboat Day on Sunday 12 August 2018. Volunteer Sue will be there on the day and bids will be accepted there. Online bids are now welcome via Tobermory RNLI’s Fundraising Branch’s Facebook page through private message (visit www.facebook.com/tobermorylifeboatfundraising).
Notes to editors
Tobermory RNLI Fundraising Branch's Facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/tobermorylifeboatfundraising
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.