For the 12th year running, Di Gillies (RC Balwyn) and Noel Halford organised the Rotary Boroondara Christmas Luncheon for two hundred and ten socially isolated residents of the City of Boroondara.
That involved overseeing the entertainment program, food preparation, gifts, transport of guests and the venue. Smoky Dawson (RC Ivanhoe) was Master of Ceremonies, and Rosaleen Falkiner (with some donations from Second Bite) arranged the food and cooking. Ian Macfarlane’s team of Richard Owen, David Rush and Sheridan Brown bussed the less mobile residents to Camberwell High School, who had provided the venue free of charge, and students to provide technical support.
Rotarians from several clubs, family and friends all joined in to ensure everyone had an enjoyable Christmas Lunch. Noel Halford particularly appreciated the assistance of regular volunteers Alec Withy, Wayne and Helen Worledge, Susie White, and the Australian Vietnamese Association (Boroondara Senior Group) headed by Hanh Tran, who prepared the food and gave a donation.
The production line in the kitchen was going full bore.
DG Bronwyn Stephens and President Ian Bentley were among the waiters
Marjorie Halford ensured everyone was served: what a great job the young waiters did!
Entertainment for everyone, and a special “Happy Birthday to you” for one guest.
Every guest received a present, and of course it wouldn’t be Rotary without a raffle (DG Bronwyn drew the tickets and Noel handed out the prizes)
Guests and volunteers all wanted a photo with Santa, who has slimmed down a bit since last year. (perhaps he’s been at an “elf“ resort – Ed.)
Did I say everybody wanted a photo with Santa? Even a “selfie”
Noel Halford thanked the volunteers and presented Di Gillies with flowers.
MC Smoky Dawson made sure DG Bronwyn was on the right track, and then wished everybody “Merry Christmas”
See more photos at https://photos.app.goo.gl/vVZw5DyrptCmdHD4A
DG Bronwyn Stephens kindly gave us a nod on the Rotary District 9800 Discussion Page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/D9800discussion/10156886258453850/