RNLI’s Mayday Appeal: Fundraise at home, save lives at sea

Although we’re all being asked to stay home at the moment, the charity’s volunteer lifeboat crews are still on call 24/7, ready to drop everything at a moment’s notice when the pager

sounds, to go out and save lives at sea.

Like many other charities and businesses, the RNLI is facing challenges when it comes to income.

With all RNLI fundraising events being cancelled due to the current global COVID-19 pandemic, the charity has launched a virtual Mayday appeal.

Mayday normally sees people taking part in group fundraising events around the UK and Ireland but, due to the pandemic, the RNLI is taking the campaign online.

Following the success of the charity’s recent Facebook Live Water Safety Wednesdays and Virtual Pub Quiz, the RNLI has launched ‘Cuppa with the Crew’, a Facebook Live event.

Supporters are asked to make a small donation of the price they would usually pay for a takeaway coffee or tea.

Other RNLI Mayday fundraising challenges include:

 Step to it for Mayday. You can lap your garden, climb your stairs or count steps during your daily permitted exercise.

 Lifesaver Quiz. Using video-calling software, test your friends’ and family’s general knowledge skills, by hosting an online Lifesaver Quiz. We’ve even got some question

suggestions to get you started.

 H2Only. Can you do without your normal tipple for 10 days straight and drink only water?

RNLI Fundraising, Marketing and Media Director, Jayne George, says: "Our Mayday fundraising campaign is a vital event in the RNLI calendar and - given the current situation -

it is more important than ever.

"For years, our fantastic fundraisers have given their time and energy in May to help out our lifesavers. But the welfare of our volunteers, staff and supporters is our priority, and the

usual range of activities are now impossible. So this year, Mayday will look a bit different.

"While many fundraising events and gatherings have been cancelled, our brave lifeboat volunteers are still responding to their pagers and launching in lockdown. So, we are

encouraging our supporters to take on fundraising challenges at home.

"That way they will be able to help protect our lifesavers, while also keeping themselves and others safe.

"Our charity is powered by the public’s generosity and we are so grateful for their support during this difficult time."

Visit rnli.org/Mayday to find downloadable materials for all Mayday activities, get involved with our challenges and do something amazing from the safety of your home this May.