Poole RNLI Fundraiser receives framed picture for dedicated volunteering

Jacquie has been a major part of the fixture and fittings and was there at the beginning when the Poole lifeboat fundraising group was formed in 2005.In 2011 when Jacquie received her bronze badge from the RNLI we described her as ‘Jacq of all trades’ and she still is. Whether it be visiting a nursery with her Education hat on, helping out on a station tour, baking scones for a coffee morning, persuading people to buy a raffle ticket at the Sprats super to emptying the collection boxes and so much more, Jacquie has always put herself (and Roy her husband) forward and all of us at the station are grateful for their help.

Jacquie has recently hung up one of her hats, that of box secretary, the station wanted to recognise her many years of counting the pennies and keeping the fellow box collectors supported.

The role really was a huge obligation, visiting premises and building up a rapport with the owner, keeping the boxes serviced and clean, liaising with Geoff the treasurer, also don’t under estimate the logistics of carrying the boxes back and forth, and the heavy haul to the bank and there has been a fair few Barclays close since Jacquie started not to mention all the car park fees, shoe leather and fuel never claimed.

Then sometimes it’s a thankless task when all inside a box is 24p , 2 euros and a chip fork but we all remember Jacquie’s mantra;

‘Though the box may only yield 24p, put it with all the other 24p’s and it will make a difference’.

Jacquie, does make a difference and sometimes it’s the little things, like the box of ‘Heroes’ every Christmas for the crew, it doesn’t go unappreciated.

Poole and District Fundraising Chair Lorraine Ayres presented Jacquie with a framed picture of the lifeboats a small token with a huge heartfelt thank you from all at the station for the support over the years.

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.