Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) Nominated Charity Partner
21 October 2010
Fundraising to support RNLI Train One, Save Many
Campaign
Foresters Friendly Society has announced the selection of the
Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) as its nominated charity
partner for the next 9 months.
The year ahead will now see the Society's 70,000 strong
membership, spread across a network of 250 branches, engage in a
range of activities to raise funds for the RNLI's 'Train
One, Save Many' appeal, which supports the training of
volunteer lifeboat crews.
Support for this training is absolutely essential, as only 1 in
10 RNLI volunteers come from a maritime background and the average
cost of training each individual is over £1,200 per year.
The independent charity is based in Poole, Dorset and saves
lives at sea via the provision of lifeboat and lifeguard services
around the coasts of the United Kingdom and Republic of
Ireland.
The RNLI was nominated by Foresters Friendly Society member
Michael Grealy following his election as the Society's President,
which sees him take the title of High Chief Ranger of Foresters
Friendly Society.
Major events scheduled by the Society for the coming year
include a grand charity dinner, to be held in Leeds on
26th February 2011. Charities selected by past
Society Presidents have included the Motor Neurone Disease
Association and CLIC Sargent, a children's cancer charity.
Michael Grealy, High Chief Ranger, Foresters
Friendly Society, said: "RNLI volunteers are
dedicated to saving lives at sea. They deserve the best possible
training and support to ensure they stay safe while delivering this
priceless emergency service.
"As a lover of coastal environments, I'm personally passionate
about this good cause. I'm delighted to have the opportunity to
nominate the RNLI as the Society's selected charity during my time
as High Chief Ranger.
Patrick Crowe, Senior Corporate Partnerships
Manager, the RNLI, said: 'The RNLI is delighted
to be chosen for the High Chief Ranger's Appeal 2010 /2011. Our
volunteers ensure there is a lifeboat service keeping coasts and
communities of the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland safe
every day of the year, whatever the weather. To do this we rely on
donations from organisations like Foresters Friendly Society. We
hope that they seize this opportunity to get behind the appeal to
raise vital funds for RNLI lifeboat crews and wish them every
success over the coming months'.
Neil Armitage, Marketing
Director, Foresters Friendly Society, said:
"Supporting charitable causes and getting involved in community
activities is an essential part of our Society's work. Our members
are everyday, hard-working people, who relish the opportunity to
lend their backing to those such as the RNLI volunteers who risk
their lives to help others."
Foresters Friendly Society have a long history of supporting the
RNLI which dates back to 1862, which underscores our commitment to
the Society's social responsibility. Our values as a mutual
organisation, which drive us to focus upon groups which can benefit
genuinely from financial support, provide us with a platform upon
which we can give something back to the wider community."