BIG FUNDING BOOST FOR RNLI, TEDDINGTON
Teddington RNLI volunteer fundraising and water safety teams were out in force this weekend at the Great River Race near Ham House, Richmond and the Classic Boat Festival at St Katherine’s Dock, near the Tower of London.
All teams reported a sharp increase in retail sales and donations, more than double normal levels and a wide expression of support from visitors.
Some stated that they were buying early Christmas cards from the charity now to show their appreciation for its work while others encouraged team members to ‘keep doing what you are doing’ and thanked the charity for ‘saving lives at sea’.
Some people also praised the recent statement by RNLI CEO, Peter Sparkes following protests on the South coast.
The wave of support follows abuse and criticism aimed at the RNLI for their part in helping those risking their lives trying to reach the UK in boats from across the Channel.
After lifeboats took 120 migrants, intercepted off the Isle of Wight, to Eastney in Langstone Harbour last weekend, some crew members were targeted by protesters, sharing their photos and names in posts on social media accusing them of treason.
Matt Allchurch, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Teddington RNLI said: “All of our volunteers are proud to be part of the RNLI and they each give up their time to make a difference to our community.
“Every single one of them appreciates the expressions of support as well as the valuable donations that we received this weekend.”
Earlier this week, RNLI chief executive Peter Sparkes hit out at the abuse of volunteers, describing it as “wholly unacceptable in a civilised society”.
He said there had been “deliberate misinformation and a misunderstanding” about the charity and condemned threats by “those who would hide behind a balaclava or a keyboard.”
IF YOU WANT TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE RNLI TODAY GO TO WWW.RNLI.ORG