Members are encouraged to focus on projects that assist young people, such as leadership programs, youth exchange, careers development programs and mental and physical health support.
Our District has wonderful youth programs such as RYLA, Youth Exchange and Defying the Drift.
We are currently seeking students in Yr 10 or 11 for this year's Defying the Drift, in September.
Our main club project for youth is the Eatup sandwich program, which has just achieved a major milestone - see below.
The Mother's Day High Tea at the Canberra Hotel was a great success.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the day and especially to Malcolm for opening the hotel for us.
Our Futuna Island container has arrived on the island and goods have been distributed to the school and health clinic. Thank you to the many organisations and individuals who contributed goods to be distributed, rather than go to landfill. A huge thanks to SWIRE Shipping who gave us a great discount on shipping costs, due to the philanthropic nature of the contents.
Jill
Welcome Gayle
A huge Alfie welcome to Gayle Flockhart who recently joined the club!
Gayle has already joined in a few projects and social events and has fitted in well to our relaxed ‘let’s just do it' ethos. Gayle is a small business owner, running the aptly named 'Pressing Matters', an ironing and laundry service in Wendouree.
It's great to have you on board Gayle.
We've reached 75,000 Sandwiches!
Yes, that's how many empty tummies we have helped to fill since 2017.
This project continues to be a much-loved, tangible project that our members and all associated with it highly value. Something so simple as a cheese toastie can make a real difference to the life of a child without lunch. Not only filling an empty space, but showing that others care about them and want them to succeed.
As always, we couldn't do it without the volunteer hours contributed by the staff and students of Ballarat Grammar, the donations that support our program - this year from Davies Bakery and Nature's Cargo, the background support from Eatup and the unwavering volunteering of our members and friends to deliver the sandwiches, make extras when needed and coordinate the whole process.
Deb
Eatup Coordinator
The Challenge Is On Again!
We need volunteers - Set-up will be held in the afternoon of Wednesday 29th July and the Challenge Day is 8.30am-4pm Thursday 30th July both at Fed Uni, Mt Helen Campus.
This is a great opportunity to watch students work cooperatively to solve STEM challenges. If you plan to volunteer for the Challenge Day, it is helpful to also be there for set-up, if you can, so that you get a feel for the activity you will be overseeing. Each activity will have 2 volunteers, so you won't be on your own.
Members, friends, relatives and colleagues are all welcome to volunteer, but must have a current Working with Children Card. (non-members will need to send a photo of their card to Deb via alfredtonrotary@hotmail.com for it to be noted)
Please send Names, email and phone numbers to Kay - kayjackson@westnet.com.au asap and preferably by June 1.
Don't forget, we won't have a meeting that week, but instead will join Ballarat West & Wendouree Breakfast at the Golf Club on the Wednesday night for the SEC Dinner - Save the date for that as it is a good night to meet Rotarians from other clubs and it helps fund the Challenge Day.
Defying the Drift
Defying the drift will be held Mon September 21 to Wed September 23, for Year 10 & 11 students who are interested in a career in Agriculture.
We currently have one applicant, from Ballarat Grammar, but if anyone has other contacts who may be interested, please let Robyn know - ra.upton@hotmail.com
What a Lovely Afternoon!
Congratulations to all involved in making the Mothers' Day High Tea such a success!
The spaces at the Canberra Hotel are so suited to an opulent spread, and the crisp linen, fine china and delectable sweet and savoury treats lived up to the surroundings. All reports from attendees were extremely positive, which made the preparations even more worthwhile. Over $2000 was raised, which will contribute to the costs associated with out fourth container to be sent to Vanuatu.
It's Christmas in July late June!
Our next social evening will be the 5th Monday in June, so put the date in your diary and invite your family and friends!
Thanks to Malcolm for again hosting us!
Please support these amazing organisations who have all assisted us in some way. Without them, our reach would be smaller and projects less impactful..
We've reached 75,000 Sandwiches!
