ROTARIANS have joined forces with two local charities to help the homeless get back on their feet again – quite literally.
RotaryRGI Direct members from across the UK are supporting a project with SIFA Fireside in Birmingham and Forgotten Feet in Bromsgrove, to run a chiropody clinic, headed up by Coventry podiatrist Gary Dancer.
They have also provided SIFA with Rotary Winter Survival Packs made up of a mountain survival bag containing a warm hat, socks and gloves – but are appealing for more donations.
The volunteer team provide nail cutting, hard skin removal and general care and advice as well as handing out the survival packs at the clinic at SIFA, Allcock Street in Birmingham, between 9am and 12.30pm, with plans to expand later on subject to demand.
Gary Dancer, who runs Gary Dancer Chiropody, in Coventry, said: “We are still looking for more donations of socks, gloves, beanie hats and survival bags as well as good quality men’s and women’s clothing.”
He added: “I have done clinics for the homeless for years, often with the Salvation Army.
“I asked the charity whether this was something that they’d like to introduce as part of their outreach programme.
“They were very enthusiastic and the club wanted to support it.
“We have partnered with the two charities because we have supported their work for a long time.
“We know that they are trusted organisations that share our values as Rotarians.
“We provide a basic chiropody service such as nail cutting, hard skin removal and general care and advice – although we have also needed to provide first aid a couple of times, such as getting glass out of one person’s foot.
“Everyone we treat gets a survival pack before they go.”
Items for the survival packs can be donated directly to Gary by emailing him at: [email protected] or calling him on 07500 902944.
