Swindon Rotary has celebrated their 100th year and providing over £1,000,000 to local charities and causes through their Centenary Swindon Charity Ball.
This year’s glittering evening, held at the Doubletree by Hilton Swindon, saw almost 200 people come together to help the club surpass this amazing total and celebrate the milestone achievements.
Combining fundraising with some of the best entertainment, attendees were wowed by energetic routines from the Tanwood School of Performing Arts and an energetic and interactive performance by the Drum Waiters.
Since the Rotary’s Swindon Charity Ball was first held in 1989, Swindon Rotary has supported over 100 charities and community groups through the proceeds from the Annual Ball, however for the centenary year, the organisation chose just one charity, Swindon’s Society Without Abuse (SWA).
SWA combines the power of education, intervention and prevention to bring an end to domestic abuse. They support women, men and children across Swindon to provide support and recovery from the trauma of domestic abuse, as well as education on healthy relationships and behaviour change programmes. The charity also works with businesses of all sizes to ensure that employers recognise the impact of domestic abuse on the workplace and have the best plans and policies in place to support their employees. Swindon Rotary has supported SWA for almost 30 years, helping fund essential developments at their former refuge building, as well as equipment and activities for those recovering from abuse.
“Fundraising events like this are so incredibly valuable to charities. This money raised by Swindon Rotary will make a massive difference to those who are experiencing and recovering from domestic abuse in Swindon,” explained SWA CEO Kate Rowland. “3.2 million adults were recognised as victims of domestic abuse in the UK last year, and this will mean many more children experiencing the harm of abuse within their homes and families. SWA passionately believe that after 50 years of supporting victims and seeing the devastation of this, reducing the prevalence and harm caused by domestic abuse is vital. It is only through a combined effort of helping victims, teaching our young people about healthy relationships, and helping those who are responsible to change their behaviours, that we will be able to one day see a world without domestic abuse.
“We are so grateful to Swindon Rotary for their ongoing support and commitment to making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals and families in Swindon.”
Swindon Rotary President Richard Deacon added: “Since our inception in 1926, Swindon Rotary Club has raised many millions of pounds for charities locally, nationally and internationally, as well as supporting many projects that have made Swindon a better place to be over all those years. I’m sure those who founded our wonderful club would be very proud to know that we are still going strong after 100 years.
“Swindon Rotary is about people and helping those who are less fortunate, over the past 100 years our impact has reached across the town and beyond. The group is open to new members who can take forward the legacy of the last 100 years and continue it for another 100.”
Swindon Rotary has also recently published a book on their centenary. ‘Rotary Club of Swindon centenary book 1926-2026’ detailing how the club came into being and covering many of the projects undertaken over the years by the club. For more information on Swindon Rotary or where to purchase the centenary book, visit www.swindonrotary.co.uk.
If you need advice for yourself or a friend relating to domestic abuse, call Swindon’s domestic abuse helpline on 01793 610610.
To find out more about SWA visit www.societywithoutabuse.org.uk.
