Past Rotary International World President Ian Risely reaches out to our Rotary friends here and around the world. Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) has a fund supporting bushfire recovery through which you can donate even from outside Australia.
The Lesson of the widow's mite or the Widow’s Offering was presented in the Synoptic Gospels, in which Jesus was teaching at the Temple in Jerusalem:
"He sat down opposite the treasury and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow also came and put in two small coins (worth a few cents). Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them, 'Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.”
On the other hand, a big no
ter is a person who exaggerates their importance or achievements. “To display or boast of one's wealth; to exaggerate one's own importance, achievements, etc. Big-noting arose from the connection between flashing large sums of money about and showing off”.
ter is a person who exaggerates their importance or achievements. “To display or boast of one's wealth; to exaggerate one's own importance, achievements, etc. Big-noting arose from the connection between flashing large sums of money about and showing off”.Be you the widow with a mite, the bignoter, or just someone in between, consider the Rotary 2019-20 Bushfires Appeal.
We have all seen the disastrous fires that have erupted, taking lives as well as
destroying hundreds of homes and properties across Australia.Rotary is once again taking the lead and looking to provide support for families in need. To this end several Rotary Districts and Clubs have established projects which are ready and able to accept donations from you. All of those projects can apply for funds from this appeal.
Please donate to the Rotary National Bushfires Appeal: https://donations.rawcs.com.au/68-2019-20
Here is the latest update from DG Grant Hocking on the D9800 Bushfire Response Committee. They have met everyday this week to help coordinate our District response.
Hello again Presidents and leaders in D9800
The D9800 Bushfire Response Committee is chaired by Sue Foley (RC South Melbourne), with Marion Macleod (Melbourne), PDG Jim Studebaker (North Balwyn) and Rhys Maggs (Essendon North) It is supported by DGE Philip Archer and myself.
We have been moved by the outpouring of support Rotarians and our community has shown to what will be a long and complex bushfire season.
In the last few days I have also spoken directly with Governors in both the Gippsland and Hume areas of Victoria and we will be working together in our response.
We will be coordinating our efforts (financial and logistical) with these Districts to ensure that all communities are supported. As well as this the 21 Governors across Australia are in constant communication and coordinating the National relief efforts.
The aim is to ensure we coordinate and maximise our response to those communities in need as base it on the identified needs from those communities.
Immediate response
Emergency and Disaster response agencies in Victoria do a marvelous job in the
immediate care and safety of the affected communities. Relief and Recovery centres are set up with support from Government, Red Cross, and many others. Support is provided in the form of food, accommodation, counseling services and funding for necessities.
The aim is to ensure we coordinate and maximise our response to those communities in need as base it on the identified needs from those communities.
Immediate response
Emergency and Disaster response agencies in Victoria do a marvelous job in the
immediate care and safety of the affected communities. Relief and Recovery centres are set up with support from Government, Red Cross, and many others. Support is provided in the form of food, accommodation, counseling services and funding for necessities. I am proud that we have many Rotarians volunteering for front line agencies and responding to requests for support from agencies working in the relief centres and elsewhere including animal welfare.
Generous offers are being received from many Rotarians, and there have been many individuals and clubs working in many areas to provide materials and food to affected agencies and communities. This includes the provision of 500,000 P2 facemasks which are being distributed through RC Melbourne and DIK.
Generous offers are being received from many Rotarians, and there have been many individuals and clubs working in many areas to provide materials and food to affected agencies and communities. This includes the provision of 500,000 P2 facemasks which are being distributed through RC Melbourne and DIK.
Our District Bushfire Response committee would love to have a record of all these efforts from Rotarians and clubs in our district. Please contact PDG Jim Studebaker with information about your recent efforts and any plans for or to discuss future relief efforts. Contact Jim via email jimstude@bigpond.net.au or 0413 304 864.
Donations
Experience tells us that donation of money is more effective and provides more flexibility as in can be used to meet targeted and specific requests for support.
Experience tells us that donation of money is more effective and provides more flexibility as in can be used to meet targeted and specific requests for support.
District 9800 is providing two separate ways for Rotary Clubs, Rotarians and members of the public to provide donations to our Bushfire Recovery efforts.
The first fund will provide Rotary Clubs and individuals not seeking a tax deduction and allow us more flexibility to take immediate action.
Account: Rotary International District 9800 - Australian Bushfire Appeal
BSB: 633000 Account Number: 171227895
Account: Rotary International District 9800 - Australian Bushfire Appeal
BSB: 633000 Account Number: 171227895
The second fund through Bendigo Banks Community Enterprise Foundation allows tax deductibility to individual donors or businesses who require this option. Bendigo Bank has waived their administration fees.
For tax deductible donations please use this link:
https://www.communityenterprisefoundation.com.au/make-a-donation/rotaryd9800bushfireappeal
For tax deductible donations please use this link:
https://www.communityenterprisefoundation.com.au/make-a-donation/rotaryd9800bushfireappeal
Carlton United Breweries are also making a substantial cash donation and conducting a program to raise funds through pubs around Australia. A huge thanks to our partners at Bendigo Bank and CUB.
Like all Australians, we have been deeply impacted by the bushfires in our country. The loss of homes, landscapes, wildlife and lives is truly devastating, and our hearts go out to all those affected. I know you join me in sending our sincere thanks to the firefighters, charities and volunteers who are tirelessly working to assist in our country’s recovery.
If you need to discuss anything related to the bushfire efforts please contact D9800 Bushfire Response Committee chair Sue Foley Sue.Foley@bendigoadelaide.com.au or myself.
The ongoing support of Rotarians will be invaluable over the coming months and as always it is valued and appreciated.
The ongoing support of Rotarians will be invaluable over the coming months and as always it is valued and appreciated.
Thank you again for all you are doing to support the bushfire affected communities.
See how Rotary International is also taking part:
Rotarians respond to Australian brushfires
More than 100 separate brushfires in Australia have damaged hundreds of homes and forced mass evacuations. Rotary clubs are taking action to provide immediate relief to those affected by the fires. Rotary has a Disaster Response Fund which following a natural disaster like the fires in Australia ensures we can deliver supplies, provide health care, and support rebuilding efforts. By making a donation today, you can help Rotarians respond swiftly and effectively, bringing hope to those whose lives have been affected by disaster.