Toolstation has held a major fundraising day to assist the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s (RNLI) Flood Rescue Team – a highly trained unit which specialises in search and rescue work in fast-moving flood water across the UK.
The fundraiser was held in conjunction with the RNLI’s SOS day, and there were a number of sponsored events such as a 60s or 70s fancy dress, a treasure hunt and a cake decorating competition. Additional fundraising activities were held across Toolstation’s 148 branches nationwide, and the company also took part in a national sweepstake based on all the RNLI lifeboat stations. All money raised will be given to the RNLI Flood Rescue Team.
Toolstation’s managing director Neil Carroll said: “Flooding across the UK has reached exceptional levels and the RNLI’s Flood Rescue Team has been working non-stop to help people and communities in the affected areas.
“Since we took on the position of corporate sponsor for the Flood Rescue Team in 2010, one of our key aims has been to help raise funds and support its wide range of operational activities. The team does not receive government funding and we are pleased that everyone at Toolstation was willing to support and raise more money for such a great cause.”
Robin Goodlad, RNLI flood response manager, said: “Demand for our services continues to grow fast, and our volunteer teams were deployed as recently as January, evacuating people from flooded homes in Wales. Since our formation in 2000, we now have around 250 trained volunteers divided into teams around the UK and Ireland to respond to incidents of inland flooding.
“Although Flood Rescue Team members are lifeboat crew, they undertake specialist training in order to work in flood water, which behaves differently from the sea water they are used to. They are also equipped with specialist equipment to enable them to carry out their vital work.
“We’re really grateful for the support of Toolstation in funding our training and equipment and for taking part in our major fundraising day.”
