Yahoo News Greenock Rotary creates a lasting legacy in memory of much loved club stalwart
MEMBERS of Greenock Rotary are lending their support to four frontline Inverclyde charities in memory of a much-loved club stalwart who devoted his life to helping others.
Mike Kimpton, a past president of the club, who died three years ago, left £2,000 to his friends at the Rotary Club to create a legacy in his name.
The club has now announced the four organisations that will benefit in a bid to help the most vulnerable across Inverclyde.
Among the good causes selected was the counselling service at Ardgowan Hospice, which looks after children who have experienced bereavement.
Mike Kimpton, second from left, receives Paul Harris Award(Image: contributed) Greenock Rotary members invited representatives from the hospice along to a special presentation, alongside the other three good causes chosen in Mike's memory - Quarriers, the Your Voice Recovery Cafe, and Belville Community Centre.
During his life Mike helped at every level of the Rotary and received their highest honour for his fundraising endeavours.
Greenock Rotary's Bill Dempster, who is part of the presidential team, said: "Mike passed away in 2022, at the grand age of 83, and he never forgot his Rotary roots.
"He left a legacy of £2,000 to be distributed at the discretion of Greenock Rotary.
"The club discussed how the money should be distributed, and, in the end, it was decided to split the money between four charities."
During the heart-warming presentation at the Tontine Hotel, all four charities were given a chance to tell members about their organisations and the difference the donations would make.
Bill added: "At our meeting the four organisations were invited to lunch to receive their cheques.
"Before the presentation, Craig Speirs, our longest serving member, paid a warm and sometimes emotional tribute to Mike.
"Craig stated that in organisations there are many who come and go and never leave any footprints behind them, but Mike Kimpton certainly left his footprints behind in a long and successful Rotary career."
READ MORE: Greenock Rotary raises hundreds for Ardgowan Hospice at busy coffee morning
Mike, an IT expert and businessman, moved to Inverclyde from Barnsley to work on a contract with Scott Lithgow, then married his late wife Sandra.
He was joined the Rotary Club in 2002 and went on to hold a variety of posts before being elected president for the 2012-13 session.
Mike was also active in Rotary's West of Scotland district, serving as district community chair and then, in 2017, as assistant district governor.
During his 20 years with the Rotary he was heavily involved in fundraising at both club and district level, organising Antiques Roadshow event, ceilidhs and tribute nights and the club's regular shoebox and Shelter Box appeals.
At district level his work included liaising with NHS Ayrshire and Arran and the Scottish Parliament.
Months before he died Mike was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship, the Rotary movement's highest honour, in recognition of his work.
Ardgowan Hospice are using their share of Mike's legacy to help redecorate a 'one to one room' for children as part of their My Grief Matters service.
The Tele previously reported that Belville Community Garden used its donation to provide emergency food parcels to those in need.
Your Voice Recovery Cafe used the donation to help those with mental health and affected by addictions in the run up to Christmas.
Social care charity Quarriers, who provide vital support, are set to use the donation to help fund a social club.
