Volunteering

I thought I’d share with you a recent research report tabled by Volunteering Victoria.
Interestingly 3.3 million people volunteered during 2024 (58.9% of the Victorian population aged 15+). So even though we know our aging population of Rotarians is diminishing it’s heartening to see that volunteering is still occurring.
 
Rotarians are used to volunteering for a multitude of tasks. We volunteer our time and expertise to causes that align with Rotary’s seven areas of focus: Peace building, disease prevention, providing access to clean water and promotion of hygiene, maternal & child health, basic education & literacy, community economic development and support of the environment.
 
The research findings of what motivates Victorians to volunteer.
62.0% To help others
48.7% Because I can
37.7% To use my skills and expertise
23.9% To support or learn more about a cause
33.0% To give back to those who’ve helped me.
 
We have plenty of events and tasks to lend a hand on during the next half of the year.
Please consider where and how you can help.
 
First is the S&EC State Final on the 2-3rd September, our three Bunnings BBQs, Springfest, Vines & Vibes, the Art Show and sourcing/packing the containers bound for Vanuatu. Check the 'Opportunities to be Involved' section, later in this Bulletin 
 
A heart felt Thank you to everyone for stepping in when either Lee Anne and I are unable to be at a meeting.
 
Jill

SEC State Final 3 Sept

Rod and his team are gearing up to host the Science & Engineering Challenge State Final on Wednesday Sept 3rd.
Eight teams from around the state will take part to find the team to represent Victoria in the National Final in Newcastle, later in the year.
 
As the Fed Uni Caro Centre was already booked, the Gymnasium at Ballarat High has been slotted in as the venue.
 
Kay is registering all volunteers, so if you are available to lend a hand for set-up on Tues Sept 2 3.30-5pm, Final Day Wed Sept 3 8.30am-3.30pm or pack-up Wed Sept 3 3.30-5pm, please contact Kay with your availability.

 

Our Littlest Volunteer

Ned has been helping Nanna Marg and Pa Neil to deliver our Eatup sandwiches to local Primary Schools for the past few months.
Today he was excited to be dressed up as the Red Wiggle, to deliver sandwiches to Mum Dani at Lucas Primary School.
Dani was also dressed up and rocking her Queen of Hearts outfit!
 
 
 
We now deliver to 36 Primary schools in Ballarat and District, with our volunteer delivery drivers venturing as far North as Clunes, South as Napoleons, West as far as Haddon, East as far as Lal Lal and right throughout the City of Ballarat.
 
School communities benefit by having frozen cheese sandwiches that they can thaw and/or toast to provide lunch for hungry kids. This also improves student retention, health and concentration
 
The latest Eat up Evaluation Report, of schools that receive sandwiches, found that 1in 4 students in those schools had needed an Eatup lunch and due to recent cost of living pressures, 77% of schools report a rise in students needing free meals.
 
To meet our increasing need we have recently partnered with the Rotary Club of Colac to apply for a Victorian Government Community Food Relief Grant - so please keep your fingers crossed for us.
 

School Planting Project

Our members have been having a ball helping local School children to beautify their schoolgrounds with the plants we have provided through our school tree project.
Thanks to a grant from Acciona Waubra Wind Farm we were able to purchase two thousand seven hundred seedlings - a mixture of grasses, ground covers, flowers, shrubs and trees, indigenous to our area and distribute them to Lucas, Sienna, Pleasant St, Wendouree, St Mary's, Our Lady Help of Christians and Newington Primary Schools and Yuille Campus Flexible Learning Centre.
Inga Hamilton from Sustainability Victoria's Resource Smart Schools was a great resource for me and some of the schools with advice on plant selection, location and planting instructions for students (and a whole lot of preparatory hole digging!)
Thank you to Robyn, Stephen, Jill, Julie, Lee-Anne and Jo for joining in the fun of planting and guarding the plants and everyone else who was involved in the preparation stage last month.
It has been a wonderfully rewarding project to be involved in.
Deb Robertson
Project Lead

CCCB Garage Sale

Volunteers needed for set up, sales and pack up.
Contact Jill if available to assist.
 
Also needed - customers so please spread the word through your social and work networks.
Deb has flyers and Fb images available for you to share.

Meeting adjourned - let's get social instead!

We are planning a relaxed social night for members, friends and family at Michael Unwin's Wines in October, so clear your diaries and lock it in!
The more the merrier, but please let Cheryl or Steve know as soon as you can so that the Flights of Four and Fabulous Food can be organised.
If you're not a wine drinker, just come for the company and food.
Payment details to follow.
 
Aug 30 Saturday - Community Care Centre Garage Sale
Come to browse, buy or volunteer to help on the day or during setup at the CCCB Garage sale. 
Spread the word to your friends and family to help the profits increase.
 
Sep 2 & 3 - Science & Engineering Challenge State Final
Volunteers needed to set up on Tuesday afternoon, run activities on Wednesday and pack up on Wednesday afternoon.
 
Various Dates TBC - Prepare Containers for Vanuatu
Help collect materials and pack the two containers for Port Vila and Futuna Island
Check with Jill for dates and times
 
Oct 20 - No Meeting - Wine Tasting Instead
Come alone or bring your crew.
Let's get social at Michael Unwin's Wines - if you're not a wine drinker, just enjoy the company and food.
 
Nov 22 Saturday- Bunnings DTC BBQ 
Sign up as BBQ Captain -  Detailed instructions and support provided
Volunteer to collect snags, bread or onions
Help cut up sausages beforehand
Volunteers needed on the day 8am-11am, 11am-2pm, 2pm-5pm (or earlier close)
 
Dec 4th Thursday - Bunnings Community Christmas BBQ
Sign up as BBQ Captain - Detailed instructions and support provided
Volunteer to collect snags, bread or onions
Help cut up sausages beforehand
Volunteers needed on the day- 4pm-8.30pm
 
Dec 14 Sunday - Bunnings DTC BBQ 
Sign up as BBQ Captain - Detailed instructions and support provided
Volunteer to collect snags, bread or onions
Help cut up sausages beforehand
Volunteers needed on the day 8am-11am, 11am-2pm, 2pm-5pm (or earlier close)
 
Please support these amazing organisations who have all assisted us in some way. Without them, our reach would be smaller and projects less impactful..

Join us on Mondays 6-7pm

Lakeview Hotel

22 Wendouree Pde

Ballarat

for zoom link, email

alfredtonrotary@hotmail.com

 
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