Community Service Projects
Community Service Projects:
​
York Rotary undertakes a variety of community service initiatives comprising financial support for local charities and hands on projects, more details of these are provided below:
Financial support for local charities:
York Rotary regularly provides financial support to local charities. In 2025 York Rotary donated approximately £ of support to ? local charities:
Some of the charities supported comprised:
Choclate and Co
Door 84
The Hut
Peasholme
SASH
KYRA
Age Uk
York Parkinsons
York Women's Councelling
St Leonards Hospice
York Rescue Boat
York Mind
Refugee Actions
Carecent
More details Chocolate and Co and Door 84 and York Rotary support are detailed later.
HANDS ON PROJECTS:
York Rotary undertake a number of hands on projects, recently these have included Summer and Christmas outings for the elderly and lonely and a Christmas collection of socks for the Homeless.
SUMMER OUTINGS:
On Tuesday 25th June, the Community Service Team’s ‘Country drive and Tea Party’ arranged for some 16 guests to enjoy an afternoon run to the Lavendar Café at Terrington, where we all enjoyed an afternoon tea. The weather, beautiful as it was, proved a little too much for two of our invitees who were not able to join us.
Following the tea our guests spent time enjoying the glorious view across the Vale of York and looking around the shop with several purchasing a variety of souvenirs.
Our thanks go to the Rotarians and partners whose willing
participation makes the activity possible. Overall, a successful afternoon, which gave a lot of pleasure to
all our guests, some of whom had not been out for along time.
DECEMBER AFTERNOON TEA:
​
On Tuesday 9th December some 25 guests were hosted to tea by members of the Community Services Team at the Novotel Hotel for a Christmas afternoon tea. Members of the Community Services team, together with partners, collected our guests from their homes and hosted them at the hotel. Amongst our guests were those referred by Age UK and who are collected weekly by taxi and taken to the University of York for the Tea and Coffee project. Students spend time in informal conversation and they joined with us together with two students from the University one of whom has now become a friend of Rotary.
An excellent Christmas buffet was supplied by the hotel at a modest cost and very enjoyable entertainment by leading seasonal Christmas songs for all to sing, Ros presenting two cello solos and Mike reading an apt Christmas poem by John Betjeman. President Paul offered a welcome and also spoke briefly about the work of York Rotary.
All the guests received a Christmas present carefully sourced and wrapped by Jane Albon.
This was a new venture and it provided a relaxed opportunity for guests and Rotarians to enjoy good food and good conversation not to mention the hearty singing with several members of the Rotary Choir present giving solid support to the carols and Christmas songs.
​
SOCKS FOR THE HOMELESS:
​
Members , family and friends of the Rotary Club of York, York Inner Wheel and the St Andrew Society collected over 500 pairs of socks for those experiencing homelessness in York. The socks many brand new delivered to Carecent at the Central Methodist Church in St Saviourgate, York on 6th December, will provide warmth and comfort during the cold, wet winter.
​
Carecent supports homeless, unemployed and socially excluded members of our community and this simple gift of clean, dry socks makes a real difference. In addition the Rotary Club generously donated £300 to Carecent for a Christmas drama workshop for the homeless.
​
This kindness brings hope and dignity to those in need.
SUPPORT FOR CHOCOLATE AND CO
York Rotary have supported York based charity Chocolate and Co since their cafe opened in 2021
​
A visit to Chocolate and co was made in December 2025 to present a donation to support those with addiction at Christmas.
​
From a recent interview Abbie a user of Chocolate and Co said "Christmas was just another day when I was in that life, it wasn't a celebration," says Abbie.
As a recovering addict, she says in the past the festive season meant trying to make sure she had enough drugs to last until Boxing Day.
"There were no drug dealers on Christmas Day."
Now, she is one of a group of people who work at cafe Chocolate & Co - a charity that creates employment opportunities for people who struggle with addiction and offending.
The organisation was founded by York mum and daughter, Linda Barrie and Mariah Pape, after they lost two close friends to addiction.
Some of the people who work at the hot chocolate cafe have credited the charity with saving their lives.
For Abbie, this December marks a change from her previous life.
"This is the first year when I'm like 'it's nearly Christmas, I'm going to get my decorations up'," she says.
"Christmas used to be about getting enough drugs to last you, there is no Christmas dinner, no presents, no family, no nothing.
"This year is going to be different, it's good, I'm looking forward to it."
She is learning to drive and preparing to start a new job, after a stint working for the cafe.
"My self esteem when I first started was rock bottom, I thought these guys had an ulterior motive, why are they offering me a job?" she says.
"I did six weeks of paid employment here. Which was massive for me. To start with, it wasn't easy, but I started to enjoy coming here. I enjoyed the routine – I have never had routine before.
"This is the first time I have had an adult life. It can be tricky – but I wouldn't go back."
A testament of this nature demonstrates the need for support to Chocolate and Co to enable them to continue their very valuable work.
For more information about Chocolate and Co click here
Jane Albon, York Rotary, Outside Chocolate and Co Café on Lowther Street, The Groves, York. The now famous Café logo that represents the 2 close friends Linda and Mariah lost to addiction and prompted the start of the Charity in 2021.
SUPPORT FOR DOOR 84
York Rotary have supported Door 84 since its foundation and before its foundation with York Boys club. Support has comprised regular financial support, help with hands on project and Rotarians acting as trustees of Door 84.
​
Door 84 are a registered charity that is home to a vibrant youth and community centre in York. Door 84 support young people, adults with disabilities, and the wider community through inclusive projects, a café, and a food bank – creating a ripple of positive impact that extends far beyond their doors.
​
Door 84 started out as a Youth Centre over 80 years ago, and since then, they have grown into a trusted name, known for providing support and services for young people, adults with disabilities and the local community.
​
The Door 84 building is home to all the exciting things we do, from youth groups to community events, making it a true hub where people can come together, connect, and feel right at home.
​
For more information about Door 84 click here
