Since October 2011, Rotary clubs 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.
Alresford Rotary Club have raised and lent a total of £11370, contributing towards the national £1 million landmark, with the club loaning to over 4000 entrepreneurs in 11 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Alresford Rotary Club raised their share of the funds through local fundraising events.
Video with Deborah Meaden, LendWithCare Ambassador
Club project leader, David Marshall said “Alresford Rotary Club 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.”
David continued: “Alresford Rotary Club has a proud history of fundraising for charitable causes through community events, and Lendwithcare is a fantastic cause very popular with our members.”
“Local people have given generously and it’s testament to their generosity that we’ve managed to reach an incredible £1 million. And that money will keep being re-lent and re-lent, translating into many millions of pounds worth of loans over the coming years.”
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.
