Normally, at this time of the year, we would be preparing to display our wares and socialize with the public at Culcheth Community Day, and other local carnivals now cancelled due to the advent of Covid 19. We, like everyone else in this emergency “lock down” situation, hope that life will get back to normal allowing such activities to resume later in the year. The photograph was taken at Croft Carnival.

PPE PROVISION IN HOSPICES
AND CARE HOMES

Responding to this crisis, 23 Rotary Clubs in the surrounding area have contributed £6000 to locally source and supply urgently needed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for front line workers at 120 Care Homes and 20 Hospices. Despite a shortage of PPE, the Carers bravely continue to care for their vulnerable Clients. These people deserve our greatest admiration and applause.

There is concern that movement restrictions will jeopardize much of our work here with local charities and good causes. Additionally, Rotary projects abroad are at risk, particularly the final push towards the eradication of polio in more remote areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan where the last few cases have been reported. This cause has seen 260,000 volunteers vaccinate nearly 2 billion children, an essential process which has so far cost over $600 million. These restrictions also affect many Rotary medical initiatives like the “Gift of Life” bringing free heart surgery to more than 2000 children; Tuberculosis screening in the Philippines; the Indian Van & Bicycle team giving AIDS education, and other such projects where need or a cause has been identified.