St Ives Lifeboat Day 2024 Raises Over £8,500: A Community Success

The annual St Ives Lifeboat Day, held on Thursday, 15 August 2024, proved to be a resounding success, raising over £8,500 to support the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) at St Ives. This year’s event, the largest fundraising occasion for the St Ives Lifeboat Station, drew in substantial support from the local community, ensuring that the RNLI can continue its vital work in saving lives at sea.

Community Effort Behind the Success

The success of the day was largely due to the collective efforts of the St Ives community. A significant team effort was evident as crew members, fundraising volunteers, and local businesses came together to make the event a success. From baking, donating, and sponsoring stalls to working in the lifeboat Souvenir Shop, volunteers played a crucial role in raising the much-needed funds.

The Souvenir Shop experienced one of its busiest days of the season, further contributing to the event’s financial success. Special thanks were extended to Aspects Holidays for their generous donation, which greatly boosted the fundraising total.

Special Contributions and Performances

In addition to the bustling stalls and activities, the day featured a stunning performance of the St Ives Lifeboat Ballad by Katrina Geraghty. The ballad, which captivated the audience, is available for purchase on CD in the Souvenir Shop, with all proceeds directly supporting the St Ives Lifeboat Station.

The community’s involvement didn’t stop there. Local businesses played a pivotal role in the day’s success, with W J Winn Funeral Directors sponsoring the bottle stall and St Ives Bakery providing pasties for attendees. The raffle, supported by numerous local donors, also contributed significantly to the fundraising total.

200th Anniversary Quilt: A Unique Addition

A notable highlight of the day was the display of the RNLI 200th Anniversary Quilt, crafted by the local sewing group, Needles and Pins. The quilt, a symbol of the community’s dedication and support, garnered much attention and added a unique touch to the event.

A Heartfelt Thanks to All

The St Ives Lifeboat Station expressed immense gratitude to everyone involved in making the 2024 Lifeboat Day a tremendous success. While it was impossible to thank each person individually, the station acknowledged that the event would not have been possible without the collective effort of the entire community.

As the RNLI continues its lifesaving mission, the funds raised from this year’s Lifeboat Day will play a crucial role in ensuring that the St Ives Lifeboat Station remains equipped and ready to respond to emergencies at sea.