The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) Beverley Guild held its annual Flag Day on Saturday and managed to raise around £900 with the help of over 30 local volunteers. The RNLI is a major charity that has the aim of savings lives at sea.
They provide a 24 hour lifeboat search and rescue service, a flood rescue team and a seasonal lifeguard service. In 2013 alone the RNLI rescued 8,384 people and saved 425 lives launching an average of 23 lifeboats each day.
As a charity they do not seek funding from central government, instead relies on generous support from volunteers, donations and legacies.
Outstandingly, 94% of the RNLI are un-paid volunteers, this ranges from Flag Day collectors to the lifeboat crew who risk their own lives at sea every day.
Mary Peacock, Chairman of the RNLI Beverley Guild said:
“Without the support of local people at events such as Flag Day, the RNLI would simply not exist and We are extremely grateful to everybody who volunteered and donated on Saturday.”
“In July, Beverley RNLI will be included in the Beverley Building Society’s charity of the month competition with a chance to win £250.”
Their reliance on volunteers means there is an ongoing plea for additional support and anybody who would like to get involved with the Beverley RNLI is urged to contact the guild secretary, Brian Stephen on 01482 868708 or Brian@seymour.karoo.co.uk.
