Rotary bid to hit the heights with virtual balloons
The club is launching a lockdown-friendly activity to help raise money
Ashbourne's Rotary Club has set up a virtual balloon race to help raise money for its good causes.
The rotarians have harnessed the latest technology to set up the online event, which invites people to buy a "balloon", personalise it, and then track its progress on release day, Easter Sunday.
The balloons cost £3 each and owners are invited to give them a name, decide on their shape and colour, and even tweak its helium content and rubber thickness.
The virtual release will take place in Jerusalem Old City on Sunday, April 4 at noon, and the high-tech software will take into account wind speeds and atmospheric conditions to realistically speed the winning balloon across the finish line.
A spokesman for the club said: "The Rotary Club of Ashbourne are attempting to assist whilst during the pandemic continuing to raise funds and apply them to both local and international charities as the need is great in each direction we look.
"To assist with the fund-raising we have teamed up with a company to organise an eco friendly Balloon Race to be held at Easter time and for the balloons to be virtually launched from Jerusalem.
"For just £3 anyone can purchase a balloon and then log on to trace the progress which uses real time data for wind direction and speed.
"No bits of rubber in farmers fields, no litter from labels etc, but a lot of fun for all."
Prizes for winning balloons include an iPad.
To find out more, or to buy a balloon, visit rotaryclubofashbourne.org.uk
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