Through their personal donations Wimborne Rotarians have supported Wimborne foodbank to the extent of £9,200 over the past 12 months.

When the first lockdown came into effect in March last year Wimborne Rotary, like so many other organisations, had to suspend all fund-raising and meeting activities. Traditionally, members would meet for a lunch every week and organise fund-raising and other social activities, but all this came to an immediate halt.

For the two years prior to the first lockdown Wimborne Rotary had a monthly collection from members of foodstuffs which were then passed on to the foodbank. Conscious that this would have to cease, members discussed how to sustain support and it was agreed that they would be able to donate monies from their missed lunches to the foodbank each month.

Wimborne Rotary President, Neil Hutchinson, said: “We recognised the vital work the foodbank undertakes in the local community, particularly as a result of the pandemic, and wanted to ensure ongoing support for them.

“I am pleased to say that everyone has been very generous, and it seems appropriate that our member’s missed lunches should generate this support at a time when the club cannot organise traditional fund-raising events.”

Sharon Keenan, Wimborne Foodbank manager, said: “We are grateful to Wimborne Rotary for the financial help they have been able to give to us over the past year. The pandemic has seen demand for our services increase to record levels and without the help of so many people who have donated money and foodstuffs it would be difficult to fulfil that demand.”