Lewis branch of Save the Children mark 50th anniversary

The first AGM of the Save the Children Lewis Branch took place on April 24th 1965; and on May 5th this year, branch members, volunteers and guests will enjoy a lunch at the Cabarfeidh Hotel, Stornoway.

Speakers at the event include Save the Children Regional Humanitarian Director Rob MacGillivary, who will take of his experiences with the charity’s programs in Sierra Leone; and Morag Smith, Save the Children’s North Scotland Fundraising Executive.

When started in the Western Isles, the local branch was the Lewis and Harris Branch of Save the Children, changing to the Lewis Branch in 1969.

In 1984, the local branch shop opened in Stornoway, and sent away over one tonne of clothing to aid during its first year. Presently the shop raises around £80,000 per year.

In the wake of the worst earthquake to hit Nepal in 81 years, the Save the Children charity has launched an appeal with the aim of raising $5million US for its Nepal Earthquake Childrens Relief Fund.

Already the international charity has been distributing aid on the ground, delivering 136 tarpaulins in Kathmandu Valley and distributed 180 baby packs – including children’s clothes, blankets and soap – around the Bhaktapur district.

Save the Children will continue to support the earthquake victims in some of the hardest hit regions, including also in the Gorkha and Shindhupalchowk districts.

If you wish to help Save the Children get aid to children in Nepal, please visit www.savethechildren.org.uk