Covid-19 restrictions have not affected Hawthorn Rotary Clubs’ enthusiasm to get engaged in whatever we do.With members stepping into the roles, whatever it may be, with enthusiasm. This type of inherent attitude from our members is what has driven this club for the last 67 years and many more to come.
Our guest speaker today was Una Hobday PDG, an inspirational woman who has been an integral member behind the ‘Food Plant Solutions Rotary Action Group’. Una provided a well-presented slide show where members were told that ‘every minute of every day, 5 children under the age of 5, will die from malnutrition related causes. Rotary is in a great position to influence communities to know how to grow the right plant in the right place, using sustainable growing methods. It was so powerful to hear Una highlight that when the women within the respective communities were involved, there was a higher success rate of the program.
It is so important that this educational program is implemented at the school level to help educate both boys and girls at a crucial time in their development. To date the program has been extended to over 30 countries with Una showing case studies in both Vietnam and The Philippines. They need assistance through donations, sponsorship, and committee, especially those that can help with promotional work.Trying to find scientific based local solutions will empower women to feed their families to alleviate malnutrition from the World. This would help environment in terms of planting trees and reduce greenhouse emission.
We should look at re-kindling our “Hawthorn Kitchen Programme “in East Timor and other countries.
I would like a few volunteers who could take the roles of “Tin person” and promotional literature leaflet with our club’s projects.
I am
pleased corporate sponsorship has pledged $4000 from Bendigo Bank for the month of July 2020. Bendigo highlighted in their email that they would like to see The Alfred Mental Health Care Package concept extended to Box Hill Hospital.
Dr Kevin Rose (Youth Service Director) informed the members that the board has approved over $3500 to sponsor a worthy Chances Recipient from Auburn Highschool to attend The National Scientific Youth Program. Also, Dr Rose informed us that the Auburn High School interviews have been postponed to Nov/Dec 2020 at this stage.
He urged any members with any worthy Youth programs to notify him and he will do all he can to assist.
Dr Tilak Dissanayake
Centenary President Hawthorn Rotary Club