Oswestry Cambrian Rotary are celebrating a landmark charitable achievement as one of hundreds of Rotary clubs from across the UK to contribute over £1 million to Lendwithcare, a microfinance charity which enables people to make small loans, often as little as £15, to entrepreneurs from poor communities around the world.
Since October 2011, Rotary across the UK have been raising funds to make small loans to entrepreneurs in developing countries, enabling them to start or expand their small businesses and work their way out of poverty, feed their families and send their children to school.
More than £1 million has now been lent by Rotary to farmers, tailors, market stallholders and food producers to name just a few of the types of businesses Rotary have helped in 11 countries across Africa, Asia and South America.
Oswestry Cambrian Rotary got involved earlier this year and have lent a total of £590 so far, contributing towards the national £1 million landmark, with the club loaning to entrepreneurs in 11 countries.
International Chair Steve Ellis said “Oswestry Cambrian Rotary are proud to be a part of this fantastic initiative. Lendwithcare is a great way to help people out of poverty. You see exactly who the money is going to, and what they will use it for.”
“The entrepreneur uses the funds to help them to earn a living, often employing family members and neighbours as well, helping to lift their communities out of poverty. They pay the loans back, which can be re-lent to person after person. As our investment is paid back we reinvest that in other applicants we find off of the LendwithCare scheme.”
President Robin Brown continued: “Oswestry Cambrian Rotary has a proud history of fundraising for charitable causes through community events and Lendwithcare is a great cause and very popular with our members.”
Head of Lendwithcare, Tracey Horner, added: “Through Lendwithcare, Rotary have helped change the lives of more than 5,000 entrepreneurs around the world so far. We’re grateful to every Rotary member who lends their time and energy to raise funds to lend to people trying to earn a living in some of the most challenging environments in the world. It really is life-changing for the people we work with, and we want to extend our huge thanks to Rotary Great Britain and Ireland and everyone at Oswestry Cambrian Rotary.”
Anyone can make a loan through Lendwithcare or buy a Lendwithcare voucher as a Christmas gift. Loans start from £15 and will typically be paid back over 6-12 months. Follow Oswestry Cambrian Rotary footsteps and visit www.lendwithcare.org to make a loan and change a life or contact them so see how you can help.
Rotary is one of the world’s largest and most successful global membership and humanitarian service organisations, with 1.2 million members in over 200 countries volunteering their time and their talents to tackle challenges at home and abroad to promote peace, fight disease, provide clean water, support education, save mothers and children, grow local economies and care for the environment.
Cambrian Rotary would normally meet informally at The Wynnstay Hotel, Church Street, Oswestry on Thursday evenings and will be again when regulations and guidelines allow. If you want to know more about Cambrian Rotary, projects they are working on or indeed to find out how to join then please contact Mike Lade on 01691 570917 info@oswestrycambrianrc.co.uk www.oswestrycambrianrc.co.uk.
