Record–breaking sum raised for Lochinver RNLI in Guild's annual gala day
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Last weekend saw record–breaking success for the Lochinver RNLI on their annual fundraising gala day.
The event enjoyed support from local businesses, members of the community and visitors alike, with tea and coffee stalls, raffles, cakes, BBQ, souvenirs and tombola on offer.
A total of £6800 was raised for the Lifeboat.
Karen Stewart, Lochinver Lifeboat Management Group chairperson, and deputy chairperson for the RNLI Scottish Council expressed her delight at being able to get back to fundraising after two years of Covid restrictions.
She said: "The local community has been so supportive by donating amazing raffle prizes and coming along on the day to support the Lifeboat and help us raise much needed funds for the RNLI. The RNLI is a charity that relies entirely on the generous support of it’s donors.
"On the day, we were all full of trepidation over whether anyone would turn up. The village looked empty and it has been an unusually quiet season. However, by 12.30pm people started to arrive, queues started to build, and the day turned in to a record breaking success.
"We were overwhelmed by the response from the community and visitors alike and it made the day a great success. So many of our local businesses have been incredibly generous in donating wonderful prices for our raffle, have made substantial donations to the RNLI, along with members of the community.
"I must also recognise the enormous contribution made by our army of local volunteers, both lifeboat crew and fundraisers, that gave up their time to help make the day such a marvellous success."
After the event, the Lochinver RNLI crew were presented with Queen's Jubilee Medals by Bruce Rae, area life saving manager. Volunteer Jake Pirie, dressed as the Stormy Stan mascot, also showed up to the event to rattle the tin in support of the Lochinver RNLI.
The night before the event, the Lochinver RNLI lifeboat was tasked with the rescue of a young man from the hillside, at Achmelvich beach.
A group of school friends from Germany were on holiday in the highlands when one slipped on the rocks and injured his ankle.
The lifeboat crew of volunteers worked with paramedics to ensure a quick return to Lochinver for the young man, to both safety and recovery.
