Community Group's RNLI Donation Refusal Sparks Outrage and Rapid Fundraiser
The Christchurch Residents Association (CRA) in Dorset has sparked controversy by voting to reject a £200 donation request to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), with some members alleging the funds would be used to "pick up immigrants." This decision has led to a swift public backlash and the creation of a successful fundraiser that has collected hundreds of pounds in just two days.
Fundraiser Launched in Response to Controversial Vote
Nic Cicutti, a resident from Brockenhurst, was so shocked by the CRA's show-of-hands vote that he established a GoFundMe appeal on behalf of New Forest Together Against the Far Right. He expressed dismay at the sentiments voiced during the meeting, stating, "I was stunned by some of the sentiment expressed. The RNLI are a fantastic group and should be supported in every way." The fundraiser quickly gained traction, surpassing its £1,000 target within 48 hours, with over 200 likes on a Facebook post and overwhelmingly positive comments.
Debate Over RNLI's Role and Public Reaction
While some CRA members cited affordability as their reason for voting against the donation, others explicitly linked their refusal to migrant rescue operations. Cicutti noted that negative comments described the RNLI as a "taxi service" for illegal immigrants crossing the English Channel. He recounted, "When challenged by others saying that meant people could be left to drown, some said they didn't care. I just find that absolutely despicable." However, he emphasized that the fundraiser's success demonstrates that "love will always triumph over hate."
RNLI's Stance and Broader Context
The RNLI has faced repeated accusations from political figures, including Reform party leader Nigel Farage, of assisting migrants in the Channel. In response, the charity has consistently affirmed its mission to save lives at sea, regardless of individuals' backgrounds. An RNLI statement clarified, "When someone is in trouble at sea and we are tasked by HM Coastguard, we will launch to help them – no matter who they are, where they come from or how they got into difficulty, as we have been doing for more than 200 years." The organization highlighted that rescues in the English Channel constituted only 1.2% of its launches in 2024.
RNLI staff have endured abuse and regular protests at their Poole headquarters, underscoring the polarized views on their humanitarian work. The charity remains focused on its core purpose and expressed gratitude for supporter donations that enable ongoing lifesaving efforts. Metro has reached out to the Christchurch Residents Association for comment, but no response has been provided at this time.
