Rotary club helps Petrus help the homeless

Reporter: Jill Geary
Date online: 08/01/2010

The Petrus Community has been presented with a cheque for £1000 by the Rotary Club of Rochdale.

President of the Rotary Club, Elvet Smith, has nominated the Rochdale homeless charity as one of his charities during his year in office.

The cheque was presented to Dennis Skelton, from the Petrus Community team, at last night’s Rotary Club meeting (Thursday 7 January) and the money will go towards the work of the charity.

Mr Skelton said: “We are delighted with the support we have received from the Rotary Club and their interest in our work. The money will go towards the provision of our day centre in Rochdale.”

The Petrus Community was formed in 1972 and is an established charity, managed by local trustees. Petrus provides help for several hundred men and women, between the ages of 18 and 80, through supported housing and related services. They run ten residential homes and a day centre, helping people to develop their skills and independence.

Mr Skelton added: “The Rotary Club is hoping to raise more money for us in the coming months. We’re really pleased with the support we’ve had in the past too, as they have helped with events such as bag packing in local supermarkets.

“There have been more people using the centre with the temperature plummeting, and the rise in unemployment means our services are in demand more than ever.”

Mr Skelton said that Petrus and other local charities were working together to ensure that no-one was left living outside during the current cold weather.

He said: “We are making extra support available to ensure people have temporary accommodation and we also provide a Rough Sleepers service, with walks around the town to see if support is needed.”

The Rotarians agreed that the very thought of living outside at present brought a shiver to the soul.

John Kay, of the Rotary Club, said: “The £1,000 which has been donated will all go to the good work of the Petrus Community and bring food and warmth to some of those who need them."