As the promised warmth of summer approaches, so does the excitement for another of Rotary Woking’s events, the Mizens Kids Day Out at the Mizens Miniature Railway. Scheduled for August this year, this eagerly awaited occasion promised great fun for local children in care and their foster families. The weather may not have been all we could have hoped for but set against the colourful backdrop of the miniature railway, it was nevertheless a memorable experience.

Founded in 1999, KidsOut is on a mission to provide disadvantaged children across the UK with fun and positive experiences, giving them the chance to simply be kids.

Through various initiatives, including Toy Box, Fun Days, and World Stories, KidsOut ensures that children facing hardships, whether due to poverty, domestic violence, or disability, can still find moments of happiness and inspiration.

With a mission to alleviate water scarcity and empower communities through sustainable solutions, Sand Dams Worldwide has been instrumental in transforming lives.

One of the most pressing challenges in this regard is the scarcity of safe water in the world’s drylands. These arid regions, which constitute over 40% of the Earth’s surface, are home to approximately 2.3 billion people. Often trapped in cycles of rural poverty, these communities struggle against the harsh realities of an unforgiving climate, with limited access to reliable water sources.

By supporting the construction of sand dams, they are providing a sustainable solution that not only captures and stores seasonal rainfall but also ensures a steady supply of safe water for years to come. These sand dams, the most cost-effective method of water conservation in drylands, are transforming lives by enabling communities to secure their water needs, grow food, and build a more stable future.

With an investment exceeding £1 million, Rotary has funded the construction of over 70 sand dams, benefiting more than 130,000 people. This is not merely charity; it is an investment in opportunity, sustainability, and the empowerment of some of the world’s most vulnerable populations.

Through these efforts, Rotary is demonstrating that with the right partnerships and a commitment to long-term solutions, it is possible to make a tangible difference in the fight against poverty. The impact of their work is measured not just in the numbers of lives touched, but in the hope and resilience that now defines these once-struggling communities. In a world often divided by inequality and hardship, Rotary’s work is a testament to what can be achieved when humanity unites for a common cause.