
The RNLI Fundraising Teams are the often unsung lifeboat volunteers. They work throughout the year holding fundraising events and rattling collecting boxes on Lifeboat Day. Their tireless efforts are not always noticed by the public but they make a vital contribution to saving lives at sea.
The 2011 Helensburgh Fundraising Branch Christmas Competition was based upon the names of GAMES. If
you entered, you might be interested to see the answers.
Our iconic Lifeboat Collection Boxes are a valuable continuing source of funding for the RNLI and we are indebted to the many local businesses and organisations who support us by having the boxes in their premises. The following businesses are amongst those who support us in this way. If any other businesses or organisations would like to assist us by displaying a Collection Box, please contact us by sending an email.
To access a business website (if available) just click on the banner.
(Please note that the above list is not complete as this is a new section on the web-site and we are currently seeking approval to display supporter details).
On Friday 3rd February, the Helensburgh RNLI Fundraising Committee ran their annual Curry Supper at the Royal Northern and Clyde Yacht Club. During the evening there was a presentation to past Chairman and Medical Advisor Dr Alistair Woodburn in recognition of his contribution to Helensburgh RNLI. Thanks have to go to the Royal Northern and Clyde Yacht Club for allowing the use of their premises and especially to Anita McLaren, Ardarden Farm Shop, ScotRail , Captain West of Loch Lomond Seaplanes, and Stenna Line for contributing such excellent prizes.
With just under 200 swimmers and an estimated 500 spectators, this was another successful New Year's Day Swim at Rhu Marina organised by Provost Billy Petrie. As usual Helensburgh RNLI lifeboat crew members provided safety cover in the water while RNLI Fundraisers provided the swimmers with a welcome cup of hot soup in the Lifeboat Boatshed. This year Cafe Rhu very generously provided spectators with an equally welcome cup of (home made) hot soup.
Your Radio was fortunately able to be present again with Gary Pews and Ian Martin who brought their excellent public address system to the event.
And it wasn't raining!!
During the past year, staff at Balloch Fire Station raised an amazing amount of money for three charities through various fundraising events; these included an Open Day and Cycling round Loch Lomond. Charities which benefited from their efforts were the RNLI, Help for Heroes and the Family Support Group. Jim Foster, Helensburgh RNLI's Sea Safety Advisor, is seen here receiving a cheque for £600 from Area Commander David Proctor.

Photo taken on 12th June with 2 of the Largs ILB crew when the Glasgow Branch of the Royal Antidiluvian Order of Buffaloes were over at Millport on a fundraising activity. For 2011, the RNLI are the Buffaloe's nominated charity.

On Wednesday 8th June, members of the Helensburgh Bowling Club once again held the RNLI Wappenschaw. Winners of the evening game were Alan Armstrong, Annette Garrick, John Stead and Andrew Sneddon (skip). After a very well supported event, President George Sneddon presented a cheque for the very generous sum of £150 to Keith Shipman, local RNLI Press Officer.
Members have to be congratulated for playing in such damp conditions!
(Apologies for the fuzzy image)

Peter Cameron and members of the Glasgow & District Dancing Association were welcomed at the lifeboat station on Sunday 5th June when they very generously donated £650 to RNLI funds. As the Dancing Society is winding up, members had agreed to donate funds to the RNLI.
With the visitors in the photograph is Senior Helm, Robin Lane.
(click image to enlarge).
On Thursday 21st April the Helensburgh RNLI lifeboat fundraising team held a fashion show at Helensburgh Sailing Club with the support of Vanity Fair. Over 140 supporters viewed a fantastic range of clothes modelled by the ladies of the fundraising team. After expenses over £2500 was raised on the night. The committee wish to thank everyone who helped and supported the event.
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If you think that you can assist with Fundraising for the RNLI, or have a general enquiry about Fundraising activities, please contact:
Marilyn McMeeking, Helensburgh Fundraising Team Secretary -
Telephone: 01436 820050
In addition to the gifts in the RNLI catalogue, a further range of products is available in RNLI shops nationwide. All profits go towards the lifesaving work of the RNLI.