The Lions Club Swimarathon fundraising goes digital

James Qualtrough | March 6, 2013 | 0 Comments

RBC Wealth Management mascot, Leo the Lion, texts the first donation

The Lions Club of Jersey has introduced two new ways for Islanders to donate to this year’s Swimarathon. For the first time, donations can be made through a dedicated ‘JustGiving’ account and also via mobile phones for Airtel-Vodafone customers in Jersey.

Lions Club of Jersey President Andrew Pearce says: ‘It seems very appropriate that in our 50th year, and as we announce the 50 beneficiary charities of this year’s Swimarathon, that we extend our fundraising to embrace new technology, including an association with Airtel-Vodafone. We will continue to use the traditional sponsorship form that participants circulate among their friends and family, but we are conscious that for some people it might be easier to go online or text a donation to show their support. We are pleased to be able to introduce these new ways of donating.’

To mark the Lions Club of Jersey’s 50th anniversary, 50 percent of the Swimarathon proceeds will be donated to 50 local charities. Today, the Lions Club announced the chosen beneficiaries that range from Les Amis to Age Concern Jersey and Sighthound Rescue Jersey to Jersey Cancer Trust.

Airtel-Vodafone will be contacting all their Jersey customers this month to advise how they can donate to these charities. Any Airtel-Vodafone customers in Jersey wishing to donate need only text DONATE to 66609 to donate £5 or 88801 to donate £1. Donations can be made from 8am on 1st Marchl until 18th March, the Monday after the Swimarathon.

The ‘JustGiving’ online account can be found at www.justgiving.com/lionsswimarathon and the website includes very simple instructions to follow in order to make a donation.

Stuart Rutledge, CEO, RBC Wealth Management – British Isles and Caribbean, says: ‘The Swimarathon consistently attracts a wide range of participants of different ages and lifestyles, and offering these new ways to donate reflects this. We are proud to be the main sponsors of this fantastic community event, and hope everyone gets behind the teams to help raise money for the nominated charities.’

The Island’s longest running charity fundraiser is being held at Les Quennevais Sports Centre from Wednesday 13th March to Sunday 17th March 2013.