Nick Gibb paid Middleton resident, Therese Brook, a visit to congratulate her on her national Rotary Club Champions for Change Award. Therese, a member of the Rotary Club of Chichester Harbour, which is a breakfast rotary club, was given the award for her work in providing Welcome Boxes of necessities for families forced to relocate because of domestic violence.
The Club also collects donations of food, clothing and other necessities for those who have fallen on difficult times financially. In the lead up to Christmas, they are collecting gifts to fill 250 small Santa sacks for families who cannot afford presents and other Christmas goodies.
Nick Gibb said: "It was an honour to meet Therese Brook and the other Rotarians who do so much to help those families who are going through difficult times as a result of domestic violence, unemployment or health issues. Therese's award was fitting recognition for all the work she and other local Rotarians do for our community. Their work has made a real difference to the lives of many people in the area and provided families with support when they needed it the most.
"The idea of collecting for and filling 250 Santa sacks, including gifts that parents can wrap for their children is inspiring, helping families in financial difficulty to have a proper Christmas. I hope this year's collection will be as successful as previous years."
Photo: From left - Hilary Riddell; Nick Gibb; Therese Brook; Lucy Hopkins (President of the Club); Hilary Knight; David Hilditch