Easter bunny arrives early for rotary with giant eggs
On a (thankfully) dry early-February afternoon eight rotary clubs from Group 7 (Havant to Locks Heath via Portsmouth) gathered in the Pompey in the Community offices (big thanks to Clare Martin MBE and all the staff) for the distribution of some giant Easter Eggs
The brainchild of Geoff James (Havant club), this is the fifth year of the clubs buying 1.5kg milk chocolate eggs, this year with white chocolate drizzle and smarties, to donate to local organisations for them to raffle and raise money, Rotary at its best, with Rotary International the premier global humanitarian service organisation of 1.4 million members in over 46,000 clubs across 200 countries in 2026, nearly every country represented
Over tea, coffee and biscuits, a few short speeches, and a visit from Nelson, the football club’s mascot, much to the delight off the rotarians present, mobile phone flashes everywhere, everyone was thanked and the 81 boxes picked up (Havant have another 110 as well) and taken by each of the clubs with their quota
Geoff said “I am very pleased, all clubs together, a chance for a photo with the club mascot for promotional purposes, more than happy with the attendance. Almost every single club has taken part. This is the fifth, to-date Havant for the first three years, then other local clubs joined in. By 2025 £64,000 had been raised so aiming for to creep over £100,000 this year.
“Mary and I moved down five years ago, and was asked to add to new projects as I had done this with my previous club. Originally the eggs were imported from Italy for those working to take into their workplace; the first year £25 spent raised £150 to £200 per egg without rotarians having to (as traditionally) stand on wet corners with a bucket
“30 eggs raised over £5,000, then 54 eggs the year after, then 84 (with a couple of Lions clubs) to now well over 100, towards 200
“In 2025 around £26,000 was raised for a £5,000 club(s) outlay, just like ‘turning water into wine’
“I am amazed, not being a new thing, that had been going on for many years, but caught the imagination with the size of the egg very impressive and eye-catching
“Changing suppliers and volatile costs have been a challenge but the price haa wlays stayed within the budgets of the clubs thankfully
“It has opened people’s eyes and is a no brainer”.
All sorts of organisations (charities, schools, public amenities like libraries, churches etc) have benefitted so far, so many more to help
Rotary in 2026 at its best
Ken Ebbens
Southsea Castle Rotary Club