A ROTARY club in Bolton has raised nearly £1,500 towards a charity which makes small loans to entrepreneurs from poor countries across the globe.

Bolton Lever Rotary Club’s donation of £1,455 has been added to a pot of more than £1 million for the Lendwithcare microfinance cause, which administers the loans.

Rotary clubs across the UK have been raising cash to make small loans in developing countries since 2011.

It enables people to start or expand their small businesses and work their way out of poverty, feed their families and send their children to school.

More than £1 million has now been lent by Rotary to farmers, tailors, market stallholders and food producers in 11 countries across Africa, Asia and South America.

The Bolton club raised its quota through various fundraising events in the town.

Club president Patricia Rothwell said “We are proud to be a part of this fantastic initiative. Lendwithcare is a great way to help people out of poverty. You see exactly who the money is going to, and what they will use it for.

“The entrepreneur uses the funds to help them to earn a living, often employing family members and neighbours as well, helping to lift their communities out of poverty. They pay the loans back, which can be re-lent to person after person.”

Secretary Dr Ravi Mene continued: “Our club has a proud history of fundraising for charitable causes through community events, and Lendwithcare is a fantastic cause very popular with our members.

“Local people have given generously and it’s testament to their generosity that we’ve managed to reach an incredible £1 million. And that money will keep being re-lent and re-lent, translating into many millions of pounds worth of loans over the coming years.”

Head of Lendwithcare, Tracey Horner, added: “Through Lendwithcare, Rotary has helped change the lives of more than 5,000 entrepreneurs around the world so far.

“We’re grateful to every Rotary member who lends their time and energy to raise funds to lend to people trying to earn a living in some of the most challenging environments in the world.

“It really is life-changing for the people we work with, and we want to extend our huge thanks to Rotary Great Britain and Ireland, and everyone at Bolton Lever Rotary Club.”

Anyone can make a loan through Lendwithcare, or buy a Lendwithcare voucher as a Christmas gift. Loans start from £15 and will typically be paid back over six to12 months. This can be done by visiting www.lendwithcare.org.