Islay RNLI raise £2,385 from successful online events

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, Islay RNLI's fundraising team have been unable to hold events in the usual fashion but with some ingenuity have still continued to raise money for the charity.

Raffle tickets sold by fundraisers, crew and committee across the island and online raised £2,000. A vast array of donated prizes were up for grabs including local handicrafts, Dunlossit venison, Jean’s Fresh Fish, Islay Sea-Adventures vouchers and whiskies or gins from several local distilleries. Winning names were drawn by David MacLellan (Coxswain), Graham Paterson (treasurer) and Charles North (mechanic).

Islay RNLI Coxswain David MacLellan, said: 'We have been amazed at the response of the Ileachs once again, it is incredible that we have managed to raise so much for the RNLI charity even in difficult circumstances. Our volunteer crew are on call 24/7 and it means a great deal to have the island’s continued support.'

Islay RNLI also held an online auction via Facebook on 1 May in aid of the RNLI's Mayday campaign. Usually, RNLI lifesavers answer Mayday calls and go to rescue others. But this May, with potentially the busiest summer season on the way, the RNLI asks for the public’s help to raise funds for vital kit to training of our volunteer crews.

The three auction lots were a rare Bunnahabhain Fèis bottle, a season fishing permit for Islay Estate and a bottle of The Botanist gin in the original rectangular bottle. The auction, held over 12 hours on the Islay RNLI Facebook page, raised £385.

Margaret Hastie, Islay RNLI fundraising volunteer, said: 'We are pleased to announce that we have a new JustGiving page for donations to the Islay RNLI. Unable to fundraise in all the usual ways, the RNLI has introduced this alternative for making donations safely during Covid-19 restrictions.'

You can make a donation to the Islay RNLI anytime at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/islayfundraisingbranch2021, and please remember to claim gift aid if you are able.

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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 142,700 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.