A TEAM from Newton Abbot Rotary Club have been ‘overwhelmed’ by the town’s generosity.
The trio, former town mayor and mayoress Keith and Pauline Smith, and Keith Walter were collecting in Courtenay Street and within the first 90 minutes estimated they’d already collected nearly £400.
Mr Walter said: ‘Normally when we do a street collection many people walk by, but this morning they’ve been coming up with money at the ready. The last time we saw anything like this was after the Boxing Day tsunami.’
Pauline added: ‘One woman even followed me down the street trying to catch me!’
Mr Smith said: ‘We’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity shown. It’s mostly “folding” money people are giving.’
Warmed by complimentary drinks from Coffee Number #1, the threesome are just one of the Newton Abbot Rotary team s who will be collecting in the town this week.
Mr Walter praised the district council’s licensing department for their help: ‘Normally when we arrange a street collection Teignbridge require 28 days’ notice. When I contacted them about this collection I had the permit back within a couple of hours. They’ve been quite incredible.’