Hartlepool charity leader proud to be appointed Round Table National President for next year
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Paul Thompson, who is manager of Families First North-East and a past chairman of Hartlepool Round Table, says he is honoured to be appointed as the figurehead of Round Table Great Britain and Ireland for 2021/22.
Over the next year he will travel across the UK and Ireland speaking to branches to drive home the organisation’s theme for the year of Rooted In The Community.
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Hide AdPaul, 43, previously acted as National Vice President and National Treasurer when he brought about a number of changes bringing greater transparency and reporting of the organisation’s finances.
He said: “It’s an honour to lead a national organisation that’s 95 years old this year.
"There’s so many great people who have been tablers over the years including Captain Tom Moore himself.
"Hundreds of thousands of people across 95 years and to have a significant role within that organisation that has an impact right across the globe now, it’s quite an honour.”
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Hide AdRound Table raises £5m a year for good causes and in Hartlepool typically generates about £20,000 from its annual Beer Festival, Boxing Day Dip and Santa Tour.
Paul added: “It’s a huge organisation that does make a difference and has an impact in local communities whether in Truro or Stornoway.
"Now that lockdown restrictions are lifting I will be travelling up and down the country and speaking to tablers and trying to get people doing community work in their local areas and really celebrate that.”
That theme has been more noticeable over the last year with the pandemic.
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Hide AdIn Hartlepool, the guys have given out mobile phones to people at risk of isolation, made up food hampers and even created ‘dad survival’ packs.
Hartlepool Round Table said Paul had moved the organisation on in leaps and bounds since he joined around six years ago.
It said: “Paul leads from the front and his enthusiasm, passion and dedication to any cause, means people have no choice but to follow. Paul oozes community and breathes charity.
"He is the perfect person for the job!”