Scotmid has announced the launch of an exciting new charity partnership with the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) and is rallying customers, members and colleagues to come together and ‘seas’ the opportunity to support their fundraising efforts.
Funds raised will enable the RNLI to purchase a new Atlantic 85 lifeboat, which will form part of the relief fleet and will be used by stations to assist in critical rescues during times when vessels are undergoing repairs or maintenance.
Jill Hepburn, Head of Region for the RNLI in Scotland, said: “We are very excited to be working with Scotmid, which has an incredible reputation for both fundraising and raising awareness for their
charity partners. This partnership will reach into the very hearts of our communities and help us to raise awareness of water safety and the incredible work carried out by our dedicated volunteers.
“Over 90% of our rescues take place less than one mile from shore, meaning the Atlantic 85 is credited with saving countless lives each year. As part of our relief fleet, the Scotmid lifeboat will have a lifesaving impact on numerous communities in Scotland – a tribute fitting to such an outstanding organisation.”
The Atlantic 85 is one of the fastest in the RNLI’s fleet. The boat has the capacity to carry four crew members as well as core medical and rescue equipment. Critically, it has the space to transport several additional people, making it ideal for a range of open water incidents.
John Brodie, Chief Executive at Scotmid, said: "The alignment of the RNLI's values with our own, which centre around serving our communities and enhancing lives, makes us perfect partners. As we
eagerly embark on the year ahead, our colleagues are already ‘on board’ and enthusiastically charting out fundraising plans!"
Volunteer lifeboat crews provide a 24-hour rescue service, and seasonal lifeguards look after people on busy beaches. RNLI crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives since the charity launched in 1824, with lifeboats launching 9,312 times in 2022, saving 389 lives.
The RNLI has 238 lifeboat stations around the coasts of the UK and Ireland.
ENDS
RNLI media contacts
Natasha Bennett, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]
Scotmid Co-operative is Scotland’s largest independent co-operative and has been at the heart of Scottish communities since 1859. Our businesses include Scotmid Co-operative, Lakes & Dales Cooperative, Semichem, Funeral Directors, Post Offices and our property division. The Society employs almost 4,000 people in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the North of England across nearly 290 retail outlets. Scotmid is a co-operative society, owned by its members, who each have an equal say in how we are run. Our core purpose is to serve our local communities and improve people’s everyday lives.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.
