Open Door and the 2011 MK Rotary Swimathon

        Open Door are delighted to have participated in the 2011 Swimathon. The much-needed funds will provide many months of vital drop-in sessions for vulnerable homeless people who are sleeping rough and need support.
        The Swimathon provided a unique opportunity for 2 users of the Open Door service to join in and actively show how much they appreciate the support that they have been given by Open Door.
        Andy (not his real name) had been homeless for some time before seeking help through Open Door. He had not been settled since leaving the Army. 
        Tim (also not his name to respect confidentiality) had fallen homeless and had been sleeping rough before getting help through Open Door and specialist housing support agencies.
        Despite the challenges that they both still faced, they jumped at the chance to participate. Although they were not working they were able to raise over £60 personally. They swam enthusiastically and the achievement was highlighted when Andy battled against aching muscles and exhaustion to complete the final length just before the hooter which brought up the teams 100th length.

Derek Nickless (Vice Chair Open Door)

    I refer to youyr wonderful donation of £250 in December 2010 and have pleasure in providing details of how the club's support helped a local disabled lady.
    The young lady's carer tells me that our guest spent a wonderful week at Vitalise Jubilee Lodge, in Chigwell Essex. Jubilee Lodge is ideally placed for sightseeing in London and our guest had a wonderful time taking advantage of all that was on offer...........
    After stimulating days out our guest returned to the centre in time for a brush up , a drink in the bar, and a wonderful four course meal. But it doesn't end there. Feedback from our guest and carer told us that she enjoyed the evening entertainment enormously, including local musicians, comedians and quiz nights. Spending time with new friends is hugely important and whilst they may have different disabilities, the challenges they face are very similar. Having the opportunity to chat to someone who completely understands you situation can be very liberating. Addresses and telephone numbers were exchanged at the end of the week and new friends made for life.
    Whilst one week's break may not sound much  to most people I can assure you that it really has made a difference to the emotional and physical well being of our guest. She has gone home refreshed, happy and hopefully looking forward to another break next year. This would not have been possible without your support and on behalf of everyone at Vitalise, especially our wondeful guest, thank you again for your help.   

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to support such a fantastic event. I speak for the whole team when I say that we really enjoyed it and every member of our team would like to do it next year. We have also had some additional people expressing interest so do not be surprised if there are two Heald teams next year!
Congratulations on organsing such a great event.

Fiona Pibworth, Heald Solicitors, Milton Keynes.

I first joined Rotary about seven years ago because I wanted to get involved in charity work. Whilst Rotary has given me plenty of opportunity to get involved in charity work it also enabled me to become part of a Rotary 'family' where I found warmth, friendship and support in both clubs that I joined, most recently the Rotary Club of Milton Keynes.

Patricia Adair. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales.

I joined the Rotary Club of Milton Keynes about three years ago. I was working for myself from home and wanted to widen my circle of local friends and get involved in something other than work. I have made lots of friends, got involved in many useful community activities and been educated and entertained by many interesting speakers. The highlight was hearing United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon give a keynote speech at the Rotary International convention in Birmiongham in 2009.

Douglas Campbell OBE, FCA, FIPP, MinstF(Cert), CertMgMt(Open)

Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland (RIBI) has over 55,000 members in 1,855 clubs. It is an integral part of Rotary International, the world's first service organisation.

"Rotary members are enthusiastic, fun-loving and active volunteers who give their time and talents to serve communities both at home and overseas. These are dedicated people, men and women from business and professions, who share a common interest in helping others."

In his speech at the Rotary International Assembly, Bill Gates commended Rotarians for their tremendous progress in fighting polio and announced an increased financial commitment to the organization to further Rotary’s efforts.

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