A vocational visit to Gateway Care

Our members, friends and family regularly join together to visit a business or workplace in the local community.  These 'Vocational Visits' are an excellent opportunity to share a common interest in worthwhile recreational activities, further our vocational development, make new friends, explore new opportunities for service, enhance the Rotary experience, and have fun.
So it was last Tuesday that we visited Gateway Care in West Caloundra.  Our Vocational Service Chair & President Elect, Bernie Strong arranged the visit and chaired the meeting.  James welcomed us all warmly.
Gateway Care was established 10 years ago and has been in its present location since 2010 (where the rent is $60,000 a year).  Gateway is all about being aware of community needs, providing low cost groceries to pensioners and families doing it tough and listening to the concerns of our members.  We learnt that it is staffed by a few salaried employees and many volunteers.  Debbie Knight is the Manager.  Product (often near-dated) is sourced from Foodbank as well as from wholesalers and local supermarkets.  The grocery shop offers low cost groceries to anyone who holds a Centrelink pension card or is struggling financially.  A café service also provides lunch and coffee.  We certainly enjoyed our breakfast and thank Gateway for leading us through their story.
 
Alan proposed the International Toast as usual and Bernie spoke about the third element of the Four Way Test.
 
"Of the things we think, say or do -
 
  1. Is it the TRUTH?
  2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
  3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS
  4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?"
Announcements included:
 
  • James presented the outcome of the Community Services Committee meeting
  • Raffle prizes are being sought for the Caloundra Hat Day & the Melbourne Cup lunch
  • The club will have a stand at the Ignite Chilli Festival on 25 November (1-8pm).  Deb is excited about the decorations, bird calls, and forest sounds.
  • Gordon announced that 13 of the 18 holes for our Golf Day have been sold.  Well done!
  • Arnaldo reminded us that on 11 November he and Tricia will be hosting a Portuguese Night
  • Mark reminded us that the Club's Charter Anniversary will be on 12 October and it will be celebrated on 17 October with breakfast at Ben Bennett Park.