Children in the Chingford area can look forward to a happier Christmas thanks to the efforts of Rotary Club members.

The Rotary Club of Chingford had arranged for a group of children with special needs to attend the annual Rotary Kids Out Funday in June, but this had to be cancelled due to the Covid-19 restrictions.

In its place, the Chingford club is supporting the new Rotary Kids Out initiative to supply tox boxes this Christmas to children in local refuges.

Club President Alan Glanville and Ken Abiodun recently spent a day at the Kids Out charity’s head office in Leighton Buzzard helping pack and prepare these boxes for delivery next month.

Epping Forest Guardian:

Alan Glanville with the shoe boxes

Chingford members have also been busy supporting the Samaritans’ Purse Operation Christmas Child Appeal by filling shoe boxes with toys, scarves, hats and toiletries.

These boxes have been delivered by the President to the local collection point for the charity at South Chingford Congregational Church.

Although Remembrance Sunday parades and services were cancelled, some representatives of the club arranged to hold a short wreath laying ceremony at Chingford War Memorial to mark the day.

Epping Forest Guardian:

Club members laid a wreath on Sunday

The coronavirus restrictions mean the club has not been able to hold its usual weekly meetings, members have kept in touch by holding fortnightly virtual meetings and have been able to support some charities.

The members were also pleased to hear that Ken Abiodun, pictured below, had been elected as Rotary’s Assistant Governor for the East London Area for the third year.

Epping Forest Guardian:

The club will not be able to hold their annual Christmas collections this year, but it hopes to resume its normal programme of activities as soon as the situation allows.

For further information on the Rotary Club of Chingford, contact Michael Lewis on 020 8527 0993.