We Love The News - Reader Irene tells how The News has helped her fundraise for Kids
LOOKING after 50 collection tins, raising money and awareness of the work of a local charity that helps disabled children, Irene Lowrie has been pretty busy in her retirement.
Irene, 73, has been a fundraiser for Kids, for the last 12 years.
The dedicated fundraiser has collection tins in shops all over The News’ area.
She said: ‘Putting money in these tins, no matter how small, all helps. Every penny counts. It helps us buy equipment for local children.’
Irene, originally from Glasgow, moved to Fareham with her husband Ian, who was in the Fleet Air Arm, in 1976. The couple, who have been married for 54 years, have two daughters, and three grandchildren.
Irene used to work in sales for Radio Rentals, then in market research, before she worked at The News in advertising for 10 years covering Fareham and Gosport before she retired.
It was then that she turned her attention to helping charity.
Irene, of Glenesha Gardens, Fareham, said: ‘I needed to do something to keep me going.
‘My husband Ian had retired but he plays golf, so I needed to find something.
‘I had heard about Kids, which used to be based at Haslar, and thought it was a great cause.
‘They have been going for 40 years next year, and have a head office in London, and they have support from some very famous people like Elton John and Liz Hurley.
‘It is very difficult to help disabled people, especially children who cannot always tell you what is wrong, but through my voluntary work I have met some beautiful little souls.
‘Everybody is so generous. It is just a matter of getting word out there. Spe aking to people I am amazed just how many people in this area have been helped by Kids.’
Irene said The News has been vital in helping her spread the word.
She said: ‘It helps people keep up with information which they wouldn’t get elsewhere.
‘A lot of people would be lost without it, especially older people who don’t get the news on their phones, they go out and actually buy the paper still.
‘It has been vital for the charity and its fundraising.’
Irene has collection tins in many shops across Fareham and Gosport.
She is also collecting money through the sale of donated hand-painted ornaments at Juicy Fruits in Emsworth.