Aireborough Rotary Club has announced a new fundraising partnership with Carers Leeds, as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting local communities.
The initiative was celebrated at a recent club social fish-and-chip supper at Murgatroyds Restaurant, which raised approximately £126 to kickstart the fundraising efforts.
Carers Leeds is incredibly grateful for this support. Funds raised through this partnership will make a real difference for unpaid carers across Leeds, helping provide essential services, advice, and respite opportunities for those dedicating their lives to caring for loved ones.
Founded in 1953, Aireborough Rotary Club, now comprising over 35 members, is recognised as one of Yorkshire’s most active community organizations. The Club was recently honoured with the Rotary Excellence Award, highlighting its outstanding contribution to the local community and its ongoing dedication to service above self – the Rotary motto.
The Club has a long tradition of service, both locally and internationally, and prides itself on being fully inclusive. Its wide-ranging activities include family-focused events such as the Easter Egg Hunt at Rodley Nature Reserve, Halloween shop trail competitions, and Christmas collections. It also hosts larger events like the Beer Festival and Brass Band Charity Concert to engage a broader audience.
One of Aireborough Rotary’s most cherished projects is the Dictionaries4Life initiative, where classes of primary school pupils receive Osborne Illustrated Dictionaries. The handovers are lively and thought-provoking, sparking questions from pupils like, “How does it feel when you are doing good for others?” and “How have you helped children this year?” Parents often express gratitude to teachers for the initiative, highlighting its positive impact. This year, a record 481 pupils across ten local primary schools participated, including Broadgate Lane, Featherbank, Guiseley, Newlaithes, Queensway, Rufford Park, St Margaret’s, St Oswald’s, Saints Peter and Paul, and Westfield Junior Schools. The program was coordinated by Club Community Leader Sally Mohan, supported by Brian Hall, Peter Long, Robert Mirfield, John Moorhouse, and Mark Whitfield.
Aireborough Rotary’s commitment to children extends beyond Dictionaries4Life. The Club supports Healthy Holidays, providing meals for pupils through Aireborough Children’s Centre and Guiseley F.C., hosts competitions to develop skills, and runs a Technology Tournament for four local secondary schools. Internationally, the Club continues its partnership with Mnyakanya High School in South Africa, helping pupils develop digital skills that open life-changing opportunities. The club is also linked with clubs in India, Thailand and the Philippines.
Looking ahead, the Club has a full calendar of events planned for 2026 to raise funds for Carers Leeds, including a Charter Dinner in October, a festive Christmas party, a Ceilidh in February, a Big Breakfast in May, and at the early stages of planning, a summer Quantathlon featuring cycling, walking, running, and swimming challenges. Participants will have the chance to raise sponsorship through online platforms, with awards presented at a fun finale day.
Alicia Ridout, who began her Presidential year on 1 July 2025, has chosen Carers Leeds as her charity of the year. Carers Leeds is thrilled to be partnering with Aireborough Rotary and looks forward to the impact these fundraising efforts will have on the lives of unpaid carers across Leeds. For more information about Aireborough Rotary Club and upcoming fundraising events, or joining in as a volunteer, please visit the Rotary website.