April 24 Combined - Flipbook - Page 36
Hayling Herald Community update
Hayling Lions: Christmas again?
By Nick McCormick
WE are proud of the support we
provide to not only Island clubs
and organisations but also to families and individuals as well as to
our unique Island community as a
whole.
Islanders will be aware of our
annual events including of course
the Donkey Derby and Easter Egg
Hunt.
All monies raised by the Lions are
spent here on our Island to support
local causes.
Our work requires extensive funding and the major source of finance
for our endeavours arises from the
operation of our charity shop in
Elm Grove.
The incredible generosity of islanders ensures a steady flow of preloved items including not only electrical items but practical household
necessities such as kitchen utensils
and cooking equipment along with
clothing, ornaments, pictures and
paintings, the list is endless.
Customers have the satisfaction
of not only bagging a bargain but
also of knowing that their kindness
ensures the wider community will
directly benefit.
However our charity shop would
not be able to function or even
exist if it were not for the band of
stalwart and dedicated volunteers
whose tireless efforts ensure that
Hayling Lions are able to not only
maintain and continue our charitable work but also to play an ever
greater role in the community.
Christmas is a tremendously busy
time for our shop and its volunteers
as customers seek out that special,
different or quirky gift.
Such a busy schedule leaves little
time for celebration. However, such
effort cannot go unacknowledged or
thanked.
So it was that Hayling Lions had
the honour and pleasure of inviting
all volunteers to a somewhat belated
Christmas dinner.
Saturday, February 24th saw a
Christmas celebration complete
with meal, gifts, Christmas trees
and of course crackers.
The evening concluded with a
dance as a well deserved and per-
sonal thank you to our vital volunteers. As we move further into
spring with the days growing longer
and the mercury rising; why not
come along and join us?
Let’s look forward to a very happy
and bright summer for us all.
Hayling Island Community Fridge
By Hannah Birch
WE thought it was about time we told
you a little about your local Community Fridge.
The aim is to reduce food waste and
help out households that are struggling to pay for food.
Produce is absolutely free for recipients.
One of the first Community Fridges
was set up by Hubbub in 2016 in the
UK town of Swadlincote, Derbyshire.
It was an experiment to cut household waste and help families save
money, and it was welcomed by the
community with open arms.
That was the first step to a very successful project.
The Community Fridge on Hayling
Island opened in 2022 and is situated
in the library foyer and it is open to
anyone who needs it.
We are allergen aware, so make
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sure to read the labels please.
We collect ‘safe to eat’ food from the
local shops and supermarkets, with a
friendly smile and a grateful heart!
All we do is weigh the food in and
people weigh it out so we can determine the amount we’ve saved from
the landfill.
In February, we saved about
16.73kg of food from the landfill.
Every month differs and we are very
grateful for every donation that we
receive.
The Community Fridge is open
when the library is open.
We are constantly looking to improve the Community Fridge services
and if anyone would like to link suitable schemes or have any ideas to let
me know please.
Email hannahbirch76@gmail.com
Pop into the library to have a look
at what we can offer you!