Our Guest Speaker on Wednesday March 5th was Megan Crossley from Mercy Health Residential Aged Care.
Topic: Mercy Place Lifestyle
Megan shared with us the wonderful program that Mercy Place offer for the 45 residents.
In 2023 a group of 20 toddlers aged between three and four led by their Hey Dee Ho program instructor Jenny began turning up on a Tuesday. The kids turn up around 11am via bus, Jenny has the children in a line as they enter Mercy place with Jenny blowing on a harmonica, the children cry out toot, toot, toot in return to the harmonica in their walking train. The residence sit around in a circle with the children in the middle. They all sing songs and play games. This is beneficial for both the residence and children. Apparently the first couple of times the kids visited, there was only 20 or so residence turn up, now it is always full house. One of the 90-year-old residence Beryl Bradford was recently interviewed and published in an article of that’s life magazine. Beryl said she loves the interaction with the children. “Seeing the kids come out of their shells, and the faces of all the other residence-many of whom have dementia- light up as we sing and play. Is truly magical”. Beryl also said “I never thought I’d be best friends with so many three years old, but they’ve taught me so much! They remind me to find happiness in small things, to cherish every cuddle or hi five, and how precious connection and community are.” She also said, “I want everyone to know you’re never too old to make a new friend – no matter the age difference”.
At our weekly meeting on March 5th. Cheryl Bellman was recognized for 25 years of dedication and support to Rotary International and Rotary Daybreak. Congratulations to Cheryl, one of our founding members. Service above self-personified!
The Last three successful events raised over $24,000.00, allocations were made to Soutwest Health care, Mpower Warrnambool, Loved and shared.
We recently boosted our Facebook post for this event. after 4 days the post had a reach 1,075 with 65% of this being non followers. Hopefully this will boost our ticket sales.
March 2025 calendar
On Tuesday March 4th 6 Daybreakers spent 2 hours each at different locations counting bicycles.
The data collected is used by governments to improve bike riding conditions in our local area!
Bike count volunteers receive a $70 donation towards any nominated charity.
On Sunday March 2nd Daybreak Rotarians joined forces with Beach Patrol 3280 for Clean Up Australia Day!
Members attended at Thunder point at 10AM. for an hour of cleaning up the carpark area and track towards Shelly beach. They met back at the carpark for a sort and count at 11.00 and the day wrapped up about midday.
We collaborated this year again with Jill from West Warrnambool Neighborhood house and Chris from Aurora Surf who treated us to a post clean up BBQ lunch. Big thanks to Jill and Chris for your awesome support!
What it takes to heal a divided world
Rotary’s commitment to peace was on display at the presidential peace conference, “Healing in a Divided World,” held on 20-22 February in Istanbul. Participants from various backgrounds outlined what it takes to achieve peace. It is “not something we can achieve quickly or easily. It takes an intentional commitment over time,” noted Rotary International President Stephanie A. Urchick, who convened the conference. Attendees included the first 13 Rotary Peace Fellows at the Otto and Fran Walter Rotary Peace Center at Bahçeşehir University in Istanbul. Read more about the conference.
On February 20th Daybreakers and Rotarians from across the region attended the mini golf challenge for a night of fun and fellowship.
