Event in Renfrew raises over £1000 for Alzheimer Scotland

Hosted on Saturday, May 25 at The Prince of Wales Masonic Lodge, the fundraiser was a joint event put on by the Rotary Clubs of Renfrew, Erskine, and Barrhead. In total, £1035 was raised for Alzheimer Scotland.

The race night involved placing bets on a series of pre-recorded horse races, with the proceeds then split between the winners and the charity. Further funds were raised through sponsorship of individual horses and races by local businesses and residents.

Members and residents at the fundraiser (Image: Supplied)

Adam Louttit, president of Renfrew Rotary, explained that dementia care is a cause close to his heart.

“Every year, the president chooses a charity that they would like to focus on, and raise money and awareness for,” he said. “I chose Alzheimer Scotland this year, because my gran recently passed away, and she’d had Alzheimer's for five years.

“Alzheimer Scotland does great work. They support a lot of families - both people living with the condition, and those who are close to them. They also run a dedicated helpline for anybody with Alzheimer’s, or anybody who knows someone going through it, which I know helps a lot of people.”

Local rotaries are branches of Rotary International, a worldwide charitable organisation with more than 1.4 million members across 46,000 clubs.

“The motto of Rotary International is Service Above Self,” said Adam. “So we try to do things locally for the community, as well as internationally. One of the charities we support every year is Poppyscotland - who run the Scottish Poppy Appeal - and this year we raised £33,500 for that.

“It gives you a sense of fulfilment - helping other charities, other causes. I think it’s important to have that sense of community.”

A charitable bet is placed (Image: Supplied)

Adam encouraged anyone with an interest to get involved, adding that it was also a great way to connect with people and have fun.

“We just invite people to come along to the meetings, and have a chat - if they like it, they can apply to join. It’s very easy. There are no strict entry requirements, as long as you’re willing to try to help the local community and come along to a few meetings.

“There’s a nice social aspect to it as well. We have weekly meetings at the Glynhill Hotel in Renfrew, where we have dinner and a general chit chat - as well as discussing all the upcoming events we’ve got.”

Renfrew Rotary meets every Tuesday at 6pm. More information can be found at: https://www.renfrew-rotary.co.uk/