The Rotary Club of Chichester Harbour has completed 36 projects and worked with 17 suppliers through Match My Project. 

As a community organisation on Hyde Housing Association’s Match My Project site, they’ve completed more projects through the platform than any other organisation.

Rotary Chichester Harbour has been providing wrap-around support to the Chichester community for over 25 years. The organisation runs a clothes bank and provides practical support for families and individuals in need. These include members of the community who are impacted by poverty, illness or domestic abuse.

This is what a supplier on Match My Project says about the organisation:

“Such a great organisation and we are delighted to have been able to support. Therese was clear in the requirement and lovely to communicate with. Highly recommend.”

– CLM Fireproofing

Laura from Match My Project had the opportunity to speak with Therese Brook,  Community Chairman at Rotary Chichester Harbour, to hear more about the organisation’s work, and their experience using Match My Project. Therese shared some invaluable insights on how to make the most out of the platform – read to the end for her top tips!

Hands-on, non-sexy, non-judgemental

With over 25 years on the ground, the organisation has grown and learnt lessons over time.  

When asked about how they support the community, Therese tells me that they do some of the “non-sexy” (yet indispensable) work in their local area. 

What’s been important to the growth and success of the organisation, has been really listening to the needs of people, and assuming a posture of non-judgementalism, 

“… because people end up in all sorts of situations through so many different things. I mean, we’re almost a bit like wallpaper. We don’t make a big fuss”. 

This has established the organisation as a trusted member of the community.

The Match My Project difference

“I think Match My Project is the best thing that ever happened to us. 

And I hope it continues because it has made such a difference to how we’ve been able to help people.”

While the organisation often delivers pre-loved items to people in need, being able to deliver something new (like a set of saucepans or a microwave), thanks to the donations of suppliers on Match My Project, has made a big impact.

Therese recounts a moving moment that happened while delivering items to a family: “The mother looked at me and she said, ‘I’ve never had anything new’.”

They ‘really sort of love us’

Therese on building relationships through Match My Project:  

“We’re always really grateful because although we ask, we never expect. And when it happens, it’s quite a joyous moment.”

These joyous moments include:

– Kettles for families fleeing domestic abuse, donated by GCS Compliance Ltd

– Gloves, Hats and Socks for Christmas, donated by Cleanscapes Ltd

– Microwaves and vacuum cleaners for families moving into unfurnished accommodation, donated by Purdy Contracts Ltd

While seemingly basic, these are “things that, if you’ve got nothing else, give you something.

That’s going to be life-changing for somebody and bring some comfort at a difficult time.” 

Top tips for community-based organisations

Therese attributes Rotary Chichester Harbour’s success on Match My Project to four simple but effective practices:

1. Keep it simple 

People might not have a lot of time to read through projects, so be clear, concise and honest about what you’re asking for. 

2. Demonstrate the need and the difference your project will make

An item like a kettle might seem ‘basic’, but it can have a big impact on someone going through a difficult time. It’s important to indicate the ‘who’ and ‘why’ of your project.

3. Keep the business updated 

A key aspect of Rotary Chichester Harbour’s success in its relationships with businesses has been asking them how they would like to be communicated with – what information would they like to be sent? Do they want, for example, receipts for what you’ve got? Do they need photographs for their newsletter? 

4. ‘Strike while the iron is hot’

Rotary Chichester Harbour always responds quickly to companies that make them an offer. They’ve found that being efficient and direct in their communication has helped them secure resources from businesses that express interest in their projects.

Businesses, get involved!

The Rotary Club of Chichester Harbour is currently accepting donations of coats for men (new or pre-loved). Find their project (WARM & WATERPROOF COATS FOR MEN CHICHESTER & DISTRICT) in Hyde Housing Association’s Match My Project Directory to offer your support.

They also welcome donations of basic needs items like beds, washing machines, fridges, and clothes. 

Sign up to Hyde Housing’s Match My Project here, or through your existing account if you’re already registered with another authority (more on how to do this here).

Are you a community organisation interested in receiving resources from businesses on Match My Project?

Sign up via your local authority’s homepage at matchmyproject.org. Your project could be the next to receive crucial support and resources.