Twice every year the Inner Wheel Club of Retford prepares a selection of ‘toy bags’. February is one of the times for getting together to do just that. Members make the cotton bags. These are then filled with a variety of items — a notebook, pens, crayons, books and toys, etc. Sometimes a scarf or hat may be included or, for girls, a hairbrush or hair decorations. All items are bought or donated by members and the public through fundraising.
The purpose of the ‘toy bags’ is to ensure help can get to children internationally. The club supports children in Malawi, Africa. These bags are given to help children who have nothing, and also as an incentive and reward for going to school. The children receive the bags with huge enthusiasm and often the cotton bag itself is equally treasured as much as the contents inside.
The club are now planning their main fundraiser, which is their annual Sunday Lunch to be held in Clarborough Village Hall on Sunday 15th March. This will raise funds equally for their two main charities which are Medical Detection Dogs and the British Disabled Water Ski and Wakeboard Association. Both are very worthy charities. One club member recently came across a working Detection Dog at Blyth motorway services. The lady whose dog it was told how her life had changed since having the dog to help her manage severe diabetes. The dog had brought freedom and confidence to her in going out and about and living normally. The Disabled Water Ski and Wakeboard Association supported one of the club’s younger members, allowing her to take part in something she never thought she would be able to do. She suffers from Transverse Myelitis, a very rare disease which has affected the lower part of her body. Both these charities touch lives in a special way.
Finally, watch this space for more details! One of the club’s members, Susan Rhodes, will take part in the Moon Walk in London on 16th May. She has watched a number of friends battle breast cancer and has chosen to celebrate a special birthday by doing this walk to raise funds for Breast Cancer Now. She will need lots of sponsors so please offer your support through the club’s website.
New members always welcome. Email retfordinnerwheel@gmail.com.