Royal Cornwall Show reveals RNLI as one of its official charities

For this year, we are pleased to announce two very worthwhile causes, both striving to save lives, albeit in very different ways, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Citizens Advice Cornwall.

In 2024 the RNLI is celebrating 200 years of service having saved over 146,000 lives with their lifeboat crews and lifeguards, in Cornwall alone over 7,000 lives have been saved.

The organisation is funded by voluntary donations, and their lifeboats are crewed by specially trained volunteers, making the RNLI a truly unique rescue organisation.

The RNLI will be at the Royal Cornwall Show on all three days, where they will be fundraising and spreading awareness of volunteering opportunities, as well as sharing essential water safety advice and water safety demonstrations.

There will also be a competition to create a hanging basket from a lifeboat helmet which will take place in the Flower Marquee.

RNLI’s Head of Region for the South West, Adrian Carey said: ‘The RNLI is delighted to have been selected, especially in our 200th year. The RNLI has had, and continues to have, a strong presence in Cornwall, operating 14 lifeboat stations and lifeguarding 60 beaches in peak season. The Show gives us the opportunity to shine a light on the fantastic work of our lifesavers, as well as inspire new people to get involved’

Our second charity this year is Citizens Advice Cornwall, an incredible initiative providing free, independent and confidential advice on a wide range of issues.

In the last year, the offices based across Cornwall, have helped more than 8,000 people with their problems, and have helped people in the county gain £4.6m in income, with 88% of people agreeing that the charity helped them find a way forward.

Issues helped with include benefit claims, debt, housing, energy bills, employment, relationship breakdowns and discrimination, amongst others.

Much of the advice is given in emergency and dire situations, and many cases are currently caused by the ongoing cost-of-living and housing crises.

Therefore, Citizens Advice is increasingly relying on public support and donations as it looks to expand its services and launch a recruitment drive for more volunteers.

Chief Executive Jon Berg said: ‘Being chosen as one of this year’s charities is a huge opportunity for us to raise funds and talk to people about our valuable work. We hope to spark an interest with people who might come and join our service as volunteers in a variety of rewarding roles.’

The Royal Cornwall Show is delighted to be working alongside these invaluable organisations, we hope that our visitors will help support them whilst they are enjoying the Show, whether that be through a donation, enquiring about volunteering, or generally finding out more about the vital work they do for Cornwall.