by Alan Quick

THE Rotary Club of Crediton Boniface this week presented a bumper cheque for £12,500 to the charity, St Petrock’s, the Exeter-based charity which assists homeless or vulnerably housed people.

The charity was selected as his charity of the year by the president, Paul Haynes.

Paul, who steps down as president on July 1, said he was “delighted” that so much money had been raised and praised club members who helped raise the money, and the public who had made donations.

He explained that the money was raised at a dog show in Newcombes Meadow in July last year, at a “Ukeholics” evening held at Yeoford, by holding an annual darts marathon and at a well-supported auction of pledges evening held at Colebrooke Parish Hall.

He said the darts marathon and “Ukeholics” evenings raised £2,000 each and the auction of pledges, which included a trip on a yacht, rounds of golf, shooting days and gourmet meals, and which was attended by more than 90 people, had raised more than £6,200.

In addition, funds were raised by holding a collection at the Morrisons store in Crediton.

As well as this, he said that a collection of rucksacks and sleeping bags, which was publicised by the “Crediton Courier” and invited the public to donate items at the Morrisons store in Crediton was also a huge success.

Gill Luckings, external communications manager, St Petrock’s, described the presentation of such a large sum of money as “an incredible amount”.

She added: “I think it is the largest sum of money that we have ever received from an organisation of this kind in one year.

“It will make a huge difference to us.

“We intend to use it to help us provide a private rental and support service which helps with upfront costs, deposits, administration etc.

“We are thrilled that this method of helping the homeless has achieved an 87 per cent retention rate for those achieving a six-month tenancy, which is very good for people who have previously been homeless.

“This money will help us develop this scheme further and help our staff provide the essential support that people need”.

Gill added that she thought such a large donation “says something about the community in the Crediton area.”

Paul praised Gill for supporting the Rotary Club of Crediton Boniface by attending the fundraising events it organised, adding that not only did she give talks and keep people informed but also “got stuck in” and helped.

The Rotary Club of Crediton Boniface has also supported the Devon Air Ambulance Trust during the last year.

The incoming president will be Paul Taylor and the presentation took place at the Red Lion, Shobrooke, before an association meeting.