Rotary International and the Gates Foundation recently renewed their commitment to eradicating polio and protecting children everywhere from this paralysing disease.
Rotary will continue to raise $50 millions per year, and each dollar will be matched with US$2 from the Gates Foundation. Over the next three years, this will dedicate up to US$450 million to support the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.
Rotary, together with supporters, partners, and leaders have helped immunise more than 3 billion children against polio in 122 countries and we won't stop until we end the disease for good.
Next week, the 24th October is World Polio Day.
Announcements: Judy is looking for volunteers to provide support of the upcoming bike event called the "Dirty Warnie" The event requires volunteers to run. For each volunteer we provide our club will be paid $70. An easy way for us to make funds while supporting our local community. Please let Judy know if you are able to assist on Saturday 8th November. I found it enjoyable when I volunteered last year.
Tony reported that the Memorial Tree will be unveiled this Thursday the 16th October at 2pm at the Tooram Memorial Park. All welcome to attend and honour the little lives lost to soon.
Svetlana is looking for some assistance to finish off the garden at the Memorial Tree
Ann reminded all that the Garden Show is fast approaching and she will be calling for volunteers to assist on the day.
Ken welcomed Rob McDonald to the couch for "This is Your Life"
Rob described his upbringing in Reservoir. He has 3 siblings, 2 brothers and a sister. He attended Keon Park Technical School and has fond memories of playing around and in the Edwards Lane Park. At the age 12 he became a Paper Boy, distributing the Herald on his bike after school He saved enough to buy his first SLR camera to continue his interest in photography. He learnt to play the Banjo and Mandolin.
In 1968 he gained a position of Technician with the PMG and in 1989 progressed to Technical Consultancy. In 2002 he completed a Diploma in Project Management and continue in the role completing projects for large clients.
In 1973 he joined the Leo's Club and in 1975 joined Rotoract, where he became Sargent at Arms and delighted in fining people. Rotoract was an active Club helping those in need and fundraising. At a meeting of Rotaoract Clubs a part of the Club's very precious GONG was discovered stolen. The culprit as identified as a "very cheeky" future wife Val.
Between 1982 and 1991 they had 5 children including twins. Three boys and 2 girls.
Rob commuted to work for 3 years on an electric bike and in 2009 completed a Great Victorian Bike Ride.
In 2013 Rob retired from Telstra having completed 44 years with them and in 2016 he and Val moved to Warrnambool.
He and Val, having no family or friends here joined many groups and activities. Rob is members of Coastcare, the Warnnambool Theatre Group, the Archie Graham fitness classes and bkie riding group and the Ukele Club. He is now a very valued member of the Warrnambool Rotarty Club.
He and Val are "Living the Dream"
achel was our guest speaker last week. Rachel ise District 9 event of780 Chair for RYLA and her presentation was on that fantastic rogram. RYLA is an opportunity for young adults to develop personal and professional skills that can be life changing. The course is held over 6 days from the 12th to 17th April at Kangaroobie, Princetown. It can accomodate up to 55 participants. The professional leadership team running the course have been doing it for many years and excel in developing friendships and bonds between the participants through challenging physical and mental exercises. The Horsham Rotary Club is providing the "Mum" and "Dad" roles that support the youth through the program. Applications are now open. If you know of anyone aged 18 to 25 you think could be a good candidate please let Rachel know.
Apologies: Judy, George, Brooke, David, Rob, Graeme, Keith, Sarah, Anne Adams, Cathy, Ann Donaldson and Angela.
