They are a Community based, not for profit organisation that has been helping people with a disability find employment since 1989. They are an organisation that helps a range of people, from those who experience considerable hardship and disadvantage, employers operating their own business and seeking recruitment services and advice through to students seeking specialised training courses.
WDEA Works complements its employment, recruitment and training services by providing community funding and grants programs through the WDEA Works Foundation which allocates up to $100,000 each year.
From the humble days of the Warrnambool based organisation it has grown to more than 400 employees across 18 locations in Victoria and Mount Gambier.
Moving forward the organisation is about to launch a new retail service similar to The Big Green Sheds in Hamilton & Swan Hill. The outlet will be called The Big R’s Shed and will be serving the community by supplying a Reuse & Recycle Service.
Apart from the outlets primary purpose of providing 10 supported employment opportunities they will also divert items from landfill. Frank will be back with further information on how Rotary can assist in this not-for-profit venture.
The weather was on the cooler side for this Friday’s market. Sadly, numbers were down, and the rain showers came. We had 14 members attend during the night to witness two entertaining events during the slower times. Serge gave us something to talk about as he cut up 9kg of fresh onions, whilst giving us a running commentary on his day and what happened to the onions on order. The Dim Sim outlet was momentarily shut down when the hose on the double burner caught alight due to a loose fitting. Wato said he smelt gas earlier, so we rechecked the connections on all cylinders and found no leaks. Unfortunately, we didn’t check the connectors at the back of the units, a lesson has been learned.
The takings on the night were well down with a total of $855.90. The following photographs taken during the night will show the relaxed atmosphere while waiting for the onions. And Serge still making the point we should be fined if all the onions were not used.
After the storm – Rotary Article
“A year after Hurricane Maria tore through Puerto Rico, local Rotary members continue to rebuild homes and lives. Mayagüez is home to 75,000 people and to the island’s second-oldest Rotary club after San Juan. In the past, the club carried out smaller projects, but the massive devastation caused by Maria motivated members to do more to help their neighbors, especially the very poor.”
Foundation Grants: - 5 ways to use our DDF
“District Designated Funds never expire. But by not using them, districts miss out on opportunities to involve members in the life-changing work of The Rotary Foundation and use donors’ money to do good in the world. Find five excellent ways to use your DDFs to make a difference.”
Future Meetings/Activities & Service Projects:
Weekly: Meeting Roster:
January: Vocational Service Month
- Meals on Wheels – Friday 25th
- Care Program – Sunday 27th
- Summer Night Markets – Lake Pertobe Friday 25th
- Australia Day Celebrations – Botanic Gardens Saturday 26th
- WUNTA Setup Thursday 31st
February: Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution Month
- Care Program – 3rd, 10th, 17th, At F- Project
- Care Program – 24th – At ……..
- WUNTA Breakfast - Friday 1st
- Meals on Wheels – 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd,
- Bunning BBQ – Sunday 3rd
- Portland Fishing Trip – 8- 10th
- Long Lunch – Sunday 24th
Thank you all for your ongoing support and commitment to our local and wider communities.
Steve
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