The Rotary Club of

Rayleigh Mill
Organisers of the Royal Philharmonic Concert in the Park.
The largest outdoor classical music event in Essex.

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Since our first Concert in June 1996, The Rotary Club of Rayleigh Mill has raised over £300,000 for good causes. The club awards money to one main charity each year and then a number of donations are made to a wide selection of smaller charities within the area. We receive many requests for a huge variety of amounts and reasons, but we try, in the main, to support the local community. It is very difficult to decide who should benefit and the process is discussed at great length by Rotary club members after some initial research. It is pleasing to invite speakers from those we have helped who can show us how and where the money was spent. It is always good to see and hear your efforts put into a positive and practical outcome.

Donations have been made to International disaster funds, such as £1,000 to the Kosovo Appeal and £1,000 to the Turkish Earthquake Appeal. £7,500 was given to the Life through Water Appeal. This charity helps to improve the infrastructure in places such as Ethiopia. The club has also made large donations to national charities. Including £8,000 to Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children, £8,000 to The Stroke Association and £12,500 to Marie Curie Cancer Care. A cheque for £6000 was presented to the Prostate Cancer Charity.

Most of the money donated, however. Goes to help local charities.
In the last few years £9,500 was given to Little Haven children’s hospice in Benfleet, £7,000 donated to Lady McAddens BUST Appeal, £6,500 to the Essex Police Drugs Awareness Programme and £1,500 to the Essex Air Ambulance. £40,000 was used to purchased a vital piece of equipment for the Critical Care Department at Southend Hospital.

£16,000 was given to Basildon based Burned Children’s Club. They do amazing work with children and young people to help them to regain their confidence and self esteem after burn injuries. They also provide essential support to families and parents as well.

£6,000 was donated to The Warehouse Centre, based at Rayleigh Weir. This is a Christian charity that provides much needed social activities for the youth in the area. The money was used to set up music practice and recording studios.

£5,000 was donated to ASET which is based at Southend Hospital. They used the money to purchase an ultrasound scanner for the Coronary Care Unit.

The club has also helped local homes for the mentally and physically handicapped. The Elizabeth Fitzroy Home in Rayleigh received £1,463 towards necessary lifting equipment