A fun evening was had by all who attended the Christmas in July function.
Thought for the day from the Pres, actually 2
“He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.” Roy L. Smith
also
“Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind.” Calvin Coolidge
A welcome to our guests on the night
Guests
Margaret Silverton Liz McCaskill
Leonie Taylor Natalie Dixon-Manu
Jonathan Shepherd Geoff Ballard
Margaret Ballard
Karin Simpson Margaret Maher
Helen Nemeth Michael Stillwell Cheryl Balocca
Lila Sicula
Julia Walsh
Notes from the Pres
On Monday nearly 40 Rotarians, family, friends and special guests, including our Local Community Leader (LCM) Michael Stillwell, gathered at the Canterbury Centre for a night of fun and games, as well as community service, at what I hope will become an annual Christmas in July event.
The games began almost immediately after the meeting began. While half the group lined up to be served their delicious roast turkey, potatoes and vegetables dinner, the rest threw themselves into the three games; putting, pitching (kiddy sized golf clubs-none for left handers- made it challenging even for the golfers) and a bean bag toss. As everyone completed their turn, the competition heated up. Two rounds of Christmas trivia followed dessert (also yummy, especially the home made pavlovas, thanks to Karin). Despite a clearly winning table, everyone shared in chocolate prizes!
Our special guest, Rev Natalie Dixon-Monu, embraced the theme and came dressed as (a young) Mrs Klaus. Natalie runs the Kew based Boroondara Community Outreach (BCO) . She briefly told us about their work providing various activities, eg choir, yoga classes, clothes repair, hot lunch program three times a week as well as emergency relief items and food for people who are struggling. She was excited to accept our donations of food and warm blankets to replenish the emergency relief stores which have been dwindling over this cold winter.
Natalie drew the raffle and the prize, a Christmas decorated protea shrub/tree (it was National Tree Day on Sunday), was happily claimed by Cherly Balocca.
The success of the event was shown by so many people remaining after the meeting chatting and continuing the fellowship of the evening, and by those who took the time and trouble to call or email the next day.
Huge thanks go to all involved in preparing and running the night; including Rob and Karin, John Braine, Graeme, David Chivers, Lili-Ann, Jonathan Shepherd, and all those who purchased items to donate, who dressed up and who got into the Christmas spirit!
Next week you will hear from some Board members about what they are working on as we get into the new Rotary Year so come along to find out and maybe offer ideas.
Not much to report on it seems
Feedback from Doug on the FORaMEAL packing which was held on the 27th (article below)
Thanks to Pres Elizabeth and Lili-Ann for the photos on the night
Are you free for lunch on a fortnightly basis? The bulletin contains dates and venues. Yesterday's lunch was at Box Hill Golf Club and a dozen attended. There is always room for more!
Thanks for the photo Kyle
NB No speaker next week but turn up anyway as it will be a good opportunity to hear from the Pres about her plans for the year.
In the spirit of potential collaboration with BCO they have an event coming up next week.
Next week as part of homelessness week, they are hosting an event on Wed 7th 7-8:30pm where people who have experienced homelessness will share their stories. This is a good idea for our club members as its definitely far more informative to hear peoples lived experience than having someone talk about it.
Copy the link into google and it will take you to the booking site. https://www.trybooking.com/CUBBE
DATE
Wednesday 7 August 2024 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM (UTC+10)
LOCATION
Kew Uniting Church Hall 23 Highbury Grove, Kew Victoria 3101
Rev. Natalie Dixon-Monu who attended our Christmas in July function will be presenting in November on about homelessness/poverty in Boroondara and about their Christmas Hamper Project where they distribute about 600 hampers to low-income people in Boroondara. These hampers are completely reliant on donated goods, of which the majority are collected from supermarkets in Boroondara. They are always in desperate need of volunteers willing to staff the tables for a few hours on a weekend in late Nov/early December. Not quite save the date but something to keep in mind!
Thanks to Nora for the feedback re the packing event
Last Saturday, 27 July a small team travelled to Mt Cottrell to support the Hararian Community in a FORaMEAL packing event.
Jama Farah from the Rotary Club of Footscray organised the event to add to our food bank in recognition of the supplies that have been sent previously to his homeland community.
Whilst the participant numbers were small, a total of 10,100 meals were packed and great fellowship was evident.
We also discovered, Jama has hidden talents - a great cook – Spanish omelettes, samosas and chicken and mushrooms soup where shared by us all.
Thanks to Alan, Joe and Lesley, Steve, Anthony and Jill for their contributions.
A week away with the family and to get some sun (and there is plenty!)
I also popped in to visit a Rotary club for breakfast - RC Burleigh Heads. A very welcoming club where I was met at the foyer by the PDG Ross Smith. He did think I was nuts being dressed in short sleeves! 15 degrees it was at the time
Established in 1955 they are a similar sized club to ours with 44 members and they have a very good mix of members age and gender wise. An enjoyable morning listening to the member behind the badge presentation by Mitch. A 30 something year old who owns his own accounting company. He showed a strong passion for making a difference and giving time when he can.
A few guests, 2 exchange students from Norway and the USA as well as from NZ
Thanks to PDG Ross and President Michael. Seen above
Many of us are aware of DIK as our club has had a long standing relationship with them and have used their services many times. We are also a financial supporter of theirs.
If, however you aren't aware of them (being a new member etc.) why don't you book in and pop along to their open day. You'll see more of the magic of Rotary as we ship goods across the world, including our own shipments with RC Footscray to Ethiopia and Somalia
The Australian Rotary Health District 9800 Committee is hosting an online Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course, led by MHFA Co-founder and Rotarian, Betty Kitchener AM.
This comprehensive course will equip you with practical skills to assist someone experiencing a mental health problem or crisis.
Course Details:
Dates: Saturday, 14th September & Saturday, 21st September 2024
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM (AEST)
Format: Two consecutive 3.5-hour online sessions via Zoom
Preparation: eLearning Modules to be completed prior to the sessions
Cost: Discounted rate of $210 per person, with 50% donated to Australian Rotary Health
Register Today! Spaces are limited, so we encourage you to secure your spot as soon as possible. To register, please contact Dr. Suresh Marcandan at Email: suresh@stellamarisinternational.com Mobile: 0448 838 838
It is a unique opportunity to learn from one of the pioneers in the field and a chance to make a tangible difference in our community. Don't miss this chance to contribute to a mentally healthier community and gain invaluable skills from an expert in the field.
Best regards, Paula
Paula Fenwick
0400 101 392
Rotary Club of Balwyn
Australian Rotary Health D9800 Committee Secretary
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