by Rebecca Hannant
An organisation set up to support Hornsea Inshore Rescue says its future is at risk as its storage lease is due to end later this month.
The non-profit Hornsea Inshore Lifeboat Supporters (HILS), which organises a range of car boot sales, events and more in support of the independent lifeboat charity, says it could fold if alternative storage for sales items cannot be found.
The group currently shares a unit with the Soi Dog Foundation, which is relocating because of rising rental costs.
Donna Freelove, volunteer and director of Soi Dog, said: “We have shared our unit with HILS. However, due to rental increases at our current unit, we are having to relocate. It has been an absolute honour and pleasure to work alongside Elayne and the HILS team and see first-hand what a huge contribution they make to the Hornsea community.”
The situation has had a ripple effect through the Hornsea community, which regularly supports the non-profit with donations and fundraising.
The loss of HILS would also affect Hornsea Inshore Rescue, which has been the sole beneficiary of thousands of pounds raised by the team. As a result, donations to the independent lifeboat charity – which receives no government support and relies entirely on fundraising – could fall.
HILS founder Elayne Greenhough said: “We have had devastating news – we are losing our storage in the next few weeks. If we can’t find storage or a garage in Hornsea, HILS will have to fold. I am devastated, to say the least.
“We have worked so hard for Hornsea Inshore Rescue. I’m begging anyone to please help us. Please, if you can help in any way, we would be so grateful. I cannot let HILS fold.”
The non-profit is now urgently looking for alternative storage. Without support, it says it will be forced to close.
HILS recently reached its £1,000 fundraising target after three months of events.
The organisation has raised funds through car boot and online sales, and the sale of Build-a-Bear teddies. In just three months, it raised £1,000 for Hornsea Inshore Rescue.
Elayne said: “We would like to thank everyone for their donations and support over the past three-and-a-half years.
“I’d like to thank my amazing team for their tireless help and commitment to me and Hornsea Inshore Rescue.
“I’d also like to give a huge thanks to Donna Freelove from Soi Dogs for continuing to donate a large area of space in their unit.”