Thanks for keeping us afloat, says RNLI
Oban RNLI is saying thank you for the ‘overwhelming’ support it received during challenging 2020.
Despite it being a year no-one expected and its impact hitting the charity, lifeboat volunteers say the generosity of the community to keep raising vital funds has helped keep it afloat during the pandemic.
Many of last year’s fundraising activities were cancelled but, as August saw restrictions ease, fundraisers began holding a regular pop-up shop in the town in a bid to bring in much-needed funds – great support was given to eight of the pop-ups in the run-up to Christmas.
A total close to £3,000 was raised through donations and the collection of Betty’s Pots.
Additional funds were generated through the sales of RNLI merchandise and Christmas cards.
Phil Hamerton, Oban Lifeboat’s Fundraising Chairman, said: ‘It’s been a challenging year for fundraising, but the support shown by the public has been incredible. Thank you to everyone who has contributed. We’d also like to thank the North Pier and Mark and Laura of Sea Kayak Oban for hosting our pop-up shop and McCaig’s Warehouse for selling our Christmas cards.
‘The generosity of our supporters, as always, extended further as some held their own fundraisers, contributed by donation to the station or through a collection box.’
It would be impossible to name everyone, said Mr Hamerton, but they included The Atlantic Islands Centre on Luing that organised a raffle before Christmas raising £66 for Oban RNLI.
The centre’s operations manager Lorraine King said: ‘As an island community, it’s important to support our lifeboat. We hope we never need their help, but we might.’
Children from Park Nursery raised £56 for the lifeboat through a sea-themed activity project.
In October, the station’s Fish Supper campaign, backed by local fish and chip shops, restaurants and supporters, saw more than £200 raised.
Further fundraising efforts by the Galley of Lorne and Tralee Bay Fish and Chips were also gratefully received. Tom Lennox’s book, From Trout Fly to a Steam Yacht, documenting the history of Oban’s Munro family shipbuilding company has so far raised £545 for Oban Lifeboat. Tom kindly offered to donate all proceeds to the station. The digital book is available through a JustGiving page. Email fundraising@ obanlifeboat.co.uk for more details.
A spokesperson for the RNLI crew said: ‘The station thanks each and every person locally and further afield who has and continues to support Oban’s lifeboat. No matter how big or small, it all makes a difference. Every year the generosity of others ensures that lifeboats around the country can keep saving lives at sea but, as the RNLI’s income has been affected by the ongoing pandemic, this has never been more important.
‘We thank everyone for thinking of Oban lifeboat. Not only does this ensure our lifeboat can keep launching, but the support shown helped make 2020 a little easier for our volunteers too. During exceptional circumstances, our crew continue to give up their time to go to sea, as volunteers ashore work tirelessly to ensure the safe operation and running of the station. Without such support and generosity, the RNLI wouldn’t exist.
‘We hope 2021 soon offers everyone some form of normality and we hope too that we’re able to welcome everyone to our usual station events again soon.’