President Helena's Message

Posted by Helena Wimpole
President's Message

At our last meeting PDG Julie Mason, Chair of the District 9800 Foundation Committee, enlightened members about The Rotary Foundation and all that it entails. Julie is an enthusiastic, longstanding member of Rotary and she presented her knowledge of the Foundation in an interesting manner. Masaya Endo, our Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholar was present and he said he was very interested to hear all about the Foundation.

At this time of the year it is important to thank the members of the club’s committees for all their work during the year and which will continue into the new year.

In a recent  Bulletin article, I spoke of the excellent achievements of the International Service Committee. This time it is the Community Service Committee which can be congratulated on their amazing outcomes.

Under the directorship of Wendy Cross, the Communiity Service members have been involved in many projects throughout the year. In no particular order these include:

  • Forty Christmas Hampers were recently delivered to the Salvation Army for families and individuals who are in need of assistance. 

  • With the help of Bunnings vouchers and extra financial support from the Community budget, combined with their hands on work, members created a lovely garden at the Salvation Army, which was much appreciated.

  • Alex Marshall and Geoff Widmer. Cooking classes with class at the Camberwell Salvos

    The Salvation Army mens Cooking Classes, that have been operating for about 3 years, continue to be successful and well attended by the men.

  • The Committee provide food for the Pantry at the Salvation Army throughout the year, especially when it is running low on stocks.

  • A group of Rotary clubs provide care packages for Mental Health units at the major public hospitals. The Community Service committee helps provide these care packages and has donated $2,000 to the organization that manages the care packages.

  • The Committee has donated $5,000 to the BFN (Boroondara Family Network).  This organization was established by the Rotary Club of Glenferrie in the year 2000. It provides trained volunteers to assist mothers who are needing assistance for varying reasons, such as lack of family support, isolation, illness etc.

  • The happy Backyard Blitz team

    During the year, members provided a ‘backyard blitz’ at the Housing Commission homes in Hawthorn. Bunnings assisted by providing plants, soil and mulch and members worked hard at clearing the debris and establishing a garden. This was very much appreciated by the residents.

  • RIMERN is an important project for our club. It is a project in which many Rotary clubs are involved. Once a month 4 members of our club attend the warehouse in Brunswick where a great many secondhand and a few new household items are stored. The Items in the warehouse are given to people who have been provided with accommodation but need help with the provision of household items, such as white goods, kitchen and lounge furniture, bedding and numerous other requirements. Clients come to the warehouse with their support worker and chose what they need. A moving van has been acquired through fundraising and this is a great help in moving large items.

  • Camcare is another organization which our club supports. Once a month members provide a BBQ for the clients who attend the Centre. They also help with gardening.

  • The Bread Run occurs every Thursday evening. Two Rotary members  pick up unsold loaves of bread and bread rolls from Bakers Delight Camberwell and take them to the Salvation Army where they are given to clients the next day. 

Ghost riders in the sky - on last year's ROCAN endurance ride

Next year our two riders for ROCAN (Rotarians against Ovarian Cancer), Dr. Mark Ellis and Thelma Hutchison, will be sponsored by the Community Service Committee for $500 each towards their fundraising ride for ROCAN. This organization aims to support women suffering from ovarian cancer, provide education and ultimately establish a wellness centre.

This is a long list of projects. Congratulations to members of the Community Service Committee.

In the new year the achievements of other committees will be presented.

On another note, three members of our club attended the Celebration of the Life of Helen Rolleston, the wife of our Past President, the late Terry Rolleston. The service was special as Helen loved opera and her favourite pieces were played. This created a beautiful and uplifting experience.

May you all have a Happy Christmas and a safe and happy new year.

Warm regards,

Helena