Next Meeting: 4th December

Pres. Noel welcomed Rotarians Ray Lewis, Heather Watson, Russell Anderson, Stewart McDonald, Noel Schier and Bryan Griffiths and Rotary Partners Pam McDonald and Robyn Lucas

Apologies: Graeme Nelson.

Guests: Brad & Michelle Gibson, “World of Difference” participants Sarah Johnson, Maggie Trewin, Monique Keech and Molly Jones

 

“What’s in the Box”: Wanting to raise awareness of “World of Difference” and to provide goods suitable for distribution in Cambodia, Stewart instigated “What’s in the Box?” a fund-raising initiative made available by weekly donations from an anonymous donor. Each week, a selection of goods were purchased from Brad & Michelle                                                                          Gibson’s ‘Rochester Discounts’ and members and guests were given the opportunity to make a cash contribution to the shoe-box of “Stuff” sitting on the table. Stewart presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Brad & Michelle for their assistance in supplying the goods, often in excess of the purchase price originally agreed upon. A sample of the goods, toys, pencils, chalks and gifts of every description, was then presented to the students who will be leaving with Heather on Tuesday for a 13 day “World of Difference” tour of Cambodia. In accepting the goods, each of the girls gave a reason, from learning about a different culture to broadening their understanding and perspective of another country, for taking part in the programme. The $105 collected in the box will be used to purchase goods locally for similar programmes. The 5 cent coins placed in the shoe-box will be donated to Inner Wheel’s Cord Blood project.

Club Red Corporate Challenge: Following the Club’s decision last week to enter into a partnership with the Rochester Branch of the Bendigo Bank in support of Club Red, Pres. Noel accompanied Tracie to the Bendigo Blood Bank where Rochester customer service officer Rachel Boyle made the 1000th blood donation on behalf of the Bendigo & Adelaide Bank. The official launch of the program will be made in the New Year. Following a suggestion from Rtn. Bryan, pamphlets, newsletters and magazines promoting Rotary and the Rotary Club of Rochester will be placed on The Bus.

November is Rotary Foundation Month: Rotary Peace Centers. Each year, the Foundation funds study by peace fellows at six Rotary Peace Centers, where they earn master’s degrees or professional development certificates. Since 2002-03, more than 875 fellows from more than 120 countries have participated, at a cost of $49.6 million. In 2013-14, there were 98 Rotary Peace Fellows from 41 countries, and program awards for the fellows and the Rotary Peace Centers totaled $5.3 million.

Last Tuesday Pres. Noel & Robyn joined 130 others from the Goldfields Cluster at the Foundation Dinner. Peace Scholars Charles Allen & Russell Pattern told how knowledge gained through the programme assisted them in resolving conflict within the Dandenong community.

Court House: Work to the floors and skirting boards has now been completed. Noel plans to spend time on Saturday and Wednesday preparing the walls in the store room. Come along and assist if you are able.

Men’s Health: With the month of Movember almost at an end, and Rtn. Bryan sporting an impressive moustache, members made a donation to this worthy cause.

Christmas Meeting: The Club’s Christmas Dinner will be held on Thursday 18th December at The Drovers’ Arms, Goornong. Please make this an event to remember – invite friends and prospective members to join in this celebration.

RC. Echuca Moama: Rtn Bryan and PP Ray and Moira attended Rotary Club of Echuca Moama’s Christmas Karaoke Night last week. A good time was had by all even though they returned home without the special prize.

Meals on Wheels: Rotary is on duty for the week commencing Monday 29th December. If you are available for the roster, please let Pres. Noel know at the next meeting.

Club Vision: Held last Sunday and led by ADG Greg Noonan, Cliff Downey and Michael Connelly, Pres. Noel reported that he was quite pleased with the outcome. Information from the charts has now been collated and will be presented at a Club Assembly to be held in the New Year.

Thanks were extended to the Anglican Ladies for supplying morning tea and to Robyn for providing lunch.

Fund –raising BBQ: A reminder that a BBQ has been booked at Bunnings for Sunday 25th January and Saturday 7th February. Keep these dates in the diary and let Pres. Noel know if you can assist.

Rotary District 9800 Conference 2015: A reminder to all that early bird registration closes on December 15th. A fantastic line–up of speakers and entertainment has been arranged for participants.