ALTERNATIVE TO SCHOOLIES WEEK

About this time last year we learned about an alternative trip for “schoolies” at the end of their year 12 studies. The group leader, Mrs Geraldine Edar-Ralph, told us how for the past 3 years she had accompanied a team of 16 young people to the Philippines, her country of birth, and planned to do so once more this year.

Through her involvement with the Moyne Young Council, my granddaughter, Casey Vallance, got involved : a compelling presentation to our Club resulted in a sponsorship of $1000, to help fund a range of materials to be used for improving small rural school facilities in the Mindanao area. In January Casey will come back to our Club and report on her experience.

This year’s trip is set to leave this Friday, to return on December 15^th. However, a large hiccup in the form of Typhoon Haiyan almost upset all plans, but after careful consideration of all safety aspects, organisers received the green light to proceed. Casey’s grandmother, however, still feels far from easy about this, in spite of the disaster area being some 18 hours further to the north.

Earlier this week Rotarian Gordon Curran distributed an extensive list of reputable organisations, worthy of financial support. I note that at this stage our Club has agreed to supply one Disaster Aid Family Survival Box, valued at $800, with Shelterbox Australia aiming to help some 4000 families.

“Schoolies” Tour leader, Geraldine, (who has lost 7 relatives in the disaster) also is raising cash to be converted into necessities, such as rice, upon their arrival in Manila. I will be able to direct any such donations to her in the next couple of days, prior to departure.