700 shoeboxes, 700 smiles as Fareham Meon Rotary has it all boxed up for Christmas!

Fareham Meon Rotary Club have collected nearly 700 filled shoeboxes to bring Christmas joy to disadvantaged and displaced children in Moldova, Ukraine, Montenegro and Romania.

 This Wessex wide scheme - The Rotary Club Shoebox Appeal - has seen widespread support from businesses, community groups, charities, individuals and schools.

 Fareham Meon has supported the scheme for 20 years and has had support from many local schools and clubs. The appeal was managed by Nick Leaver, Tony Owens and John Tonkin with support from fellow Rotarians and their partners including Pam, Tracey, Jacqui, Chris and Gail.

 Each box is packed with gifts and will be distributed to children through schools, clubs, and charities.

 John Tonkin, who has been involved in the scheme for many years commented “We are really delighted to have collected so many shoeboxes again this year. Across the wider Wessex area, I expect fellow Rotary Clubs to have collected over 19,000 boxes which will be delivered to disadvantaged children.”

 David Fawcett, President of Fareham Meon Rotary added “I am extremely grateful to my fellow Rotarians for their wholehearted response to this important initiative, without the dedication of Nick, Tony and John and the wider team we would not be able to support so many young people at Christmas.”

Special thanks to D Hill Services who kindly provided a lorry and driver to ensure the shoeboxes were delivered.

 Fareham Meon Rotary, who celebrated their 45th anniversary in 2026, support a variety of charities including hospices, children’s charities and support for the homeless. They have donated nearly £50,000 to local causes in the last 5 years. If you would like to be part of the growing team of volunteer Rotarians, please contact Ron Crank at [email protected]