Friday June 5th 2026
Child enjoying the Rotary Fun Day
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Around 25,000 children from across the UK, including Midlothian, are set to take part in the 2026 Rotary Children’s Fun Day, organised by Rotary clubs nationwide on and around the 10th of June.
In Midlothian, the Rotary club Esk Valley is taking 30 children to the Dalkeith Pétanque Club where they will be taught the basics of the game before taking part in a friendly competition. The activity is designed to encourage teamwork, confidence and social interaction, while giving the children the opportunity to try something new in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.
For more than 30 years, Rotary GB&I has been helping disabled, disadvantaged and vulnerable young people enjoy unforgettable experiences and a much-needed break from everyday challenges. Since the initiative began, more than one million children have taken part in special days out and activities.
The programme is designed to bring joy, confidence and positive experiences to children who may be facing difficult circumstances, including domestic abuse, disadvantage or other life challenges.
The initiative is supported by the children’s charity Kids in Mind, which provides mental health and wellbeing support for children escaping domestic violence.
Rotary members across the country volunteer their time to organise and fund the activities, helping thousands of children create happy memories and experience new adventures.
Amanda Watkin, Chief Executive for Rotary GB&I said: “One of Rotary’s leading commitments is to provide support and opportunity to young people from all backgrounds.
“The Rotary Children’s Fun Day focuses particularly on those who might not ordinarily get that support and opportunity but, arguably, need it the most. It is much more than a day of entertainment and fun, it is about opening doors for children who face challenges many of us can’t imagine and showing them that their future is full of hope and potential.”
Alongside the summer programme, Rotary GB&I also runs the Rotary Christmas Toy Boxes appeal, providing individual toy boxes to children living in domestic abuse refuges across Great Britain and Ireland.
In 2025, the appeal raised more than £97,000 and delivered over 3,200 toy boxes, thanks to support from Kids in Mind and Rotary members nationwide.
To find out more about your local Rotary Club or donate towards the Rotary Children’s Fun Day 2027, visit www.rotarygbi.org/funday.
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