Residents, clubs and businesses in Hoylake have raised thousands for the RNLI after the annual Lifeboat Open Day was cancelled due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.
People living on Ferndale Road, Hoyle Road and Waverley Road put on socially-distanced street parties that included raffles, stalls, competitions and games, while local businesses and organisations hosted collections, fêtes and family fun events.
Through the efforts of the organisers and the generosity of the public, more than £8,000 has been raised for the RNLI.
Hoylake RNLI Coxswain Andy Dodd said: “We would like to thank all of the organisers, residents and businesses who hosted and supported these great events and everyone who helped to raise such a fantastic amount for the RNLI in these challenging times.’
“We rely on donations from the public to save lives at sea. It’s been one of the busiest periods on record for our volunteer crews since the easing of lockdown and as we haven’t been able to fundraise as normal this year, we need the public’s support more than ever.”
The August Bank Holiday normally sees crowds flocking to Hoylake Promenade to enjoy Hoylake and West Kirby RNLI Lifeboat Open Day.
Carole Jackson BEM, Chair of the Hoylake and West Kirby RNLI Fundraising Branch said: “Due to the pandemic, it was impossible for us to organise Lifeboat Open Day safely this year and sadly the event was cancelled for the first time in its long history.
“Each year, Open Day normally raises thousands for the RNLI, so we are really grateful to the local community for stepping up to support our lifeboat crews by putting on their own fundraisers.”
In 2019, it cost £181.5 million to keep the RNLI running. The charity’s lifeboat crews and lifeguards saved 374 lives and helped over 38,700 people last year, while also carrying out vital drowning prevention work around the coasts of the UK and Ireland.
RNLI volunteers remain on call 24 hours a day ready to respond to coastal emergencies, often putting their own safety at risk in dangerous conditions and particularly during the ongoing pandemic.
Coronavirus has had a huge impact on the RNLI’s ability to fundraise in the community. If you are able to support the RNLI’s lifesaving work, you can donate online by visiting RNLI.org/Donate or through JustGiving at justgiving.com/fundraising/Hoylake-West-Kirby-Branch.
Donations by cheque can also be sent to the RNLI c/o The Lifeboat Treasurer, Hoylake Lifeboat Station, North Parade, Hoylake, Wirral, CH47 3AL.