Rotarians and friends contributed a total of $304.3 million (unaudited) to The Rotary Foundation during the centennial year, a celebration of the Foundation’s 100 years of Doing Good. This amount surpassed the goal of $300 million set to mark the centennial in 2016-17.
Knitting Beanies raises funds for Mental Health Research
By Caroline Rickard (Drysdale Rotary Club)
I am sure that in your lifetime you have known people that struggle with mental health issues and it is becoming more evident now we are talking more openly and acknowledging the importance of sharing our inner most thoughts. We can see a broken arm or leg but we can’t see the turmoil inside a person’s mind.
There are many initiatives being promoted and Rotary Clubs are making a difference this year by “Lifting the Lid” on mental illness. Locally you will see Rotary members “Pop up” in one of your local coffee shops. Make yourself known to the team and support the program.
We have our IGKNITE program knitting and selling beanies. Commission your own design, or buy one made already, donate money or wool. Or maybe you might like to knit some for us to sell? Funds raised will be donated to Lifeline and Australian Rotary Health.
Drysdale Primary School are doing their bit to nip insecurity in the school by running a program called “Kids Matter” The students, parents and teachers work together to make sure that kids go through school feeling included, happy and belong. Starting this concept so early in a child’s life equips them to make a decision to look at situations as positive rather than always going to negative thought patterns.
Golf for Good
The Portarlington Golf Club will host the Australian Red Cross Charity Golf Day on Monday 23 October.
The event is a 4BBB Stableford.
The entry fee is $50.00 per pair which includes lunch.
The event starts at 9.30 am and there are trophies for the ladies' and mens' events.
Entries close on Monday 16 October.
Entry forms can be obtained from the Tournament Secretary, Joyce Livermore whose contact number is 52 591008 or email tournament@portarlingtongolf.com.au or call the Club on 52 592492.
Cambodian Adventure with Purpose
Join Rotarians in a travel adventure to Cambodia in the first two weeks of February 2018, to experience first hand the culture and friendship of Cambodians and see the results of our D9780 Project in Cambodia.
The trip will be led by Dr. Bryan Humphrey (President Geelong East Rotary Club) with support from a Cambodian interpreter and guide. Rotarian, Bryan has spent almost three years living and working in Cambodia.
Rotary District 9780 and 22 supporting clubs were successful in gaining a Global Grant to provide clean water in Cambodia.
The project worth $US56, 234 will provide clean water to around 4000 people. This is life changing. It is expected that by the time we travel the project will be completed.
Many members in supporting clubs expressed an interest in travelling to Cambodia to visit the project areas and see personally the impact of their support.
The proposed trip would begin in Phnom Penh. It will include visits to the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, the Killing Fields as well as The Palace, National Museum. The visit will include a live show featuring Cambodian dance and music.
The group will also visit some Rotary supported projects in and around Phnom Penh.
We will then travel to Veal Veng district in Pursat Province to visit the communities that have received fresh water because of Rotarians in District 9780. We will visit villages, schools and have an opportunity to meet with the communities we have supported. This will be an uplifting experience to share the joy and the life changing stories. We will also have an opportunity to visit classrooms and interact with students in the schools that our Rotary clubs have supported.
We will then travel to Battambang where we will have the opportunity to take in the sites of ancient Angkor Ruins and experience a relaxing time in Cambodia’s second largest city.
The last stop will be Siem Reap, the gate way to the majestic Angkor Wat and the many other temples. A town alive with restaurants and shows. We will include a trip to the holy mountain Phnom Kulen and the surrounding area. We will see a huge reclining Buddha, river bed carvings and early 9th century temples. We will have a picnic lunch at the waterfall.
The cost of the trip is estimated at around $AUS4400 per person.
Proposed Inclusions (these may change as planning continues but are indicative):
· Flights
· Travel Insurance
· All meals
· All sightseeing, entrance fees, tour and transfer services
· English speaking local guide
· All accommodation based on 2 sharing room
· Private air-conditioned vehicles, bicycle hire, private tuk tuk
· Drinking water and face towels while sightseeing
Accommodation in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Battambang will be 3-4 star, all with Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Accommodation in Veal Veng is a local guest house which provides comfortable, clean but basic accommodation.
It is proposed to use “World of Difference” run by Rotary District 9800 as the tour organiser. “World of Difference” have run many Rotary trips to Cambodia and have a wealth of experience.
If you are interested in joining this Rotary Cambodian Adventure please express interest by contacting Rotarian Dr. Bryan Humphrey by email on
bryan.humphrey53@gmail.com by September 30
th 2017.
Bryan will proceed with detailed organisation of the tour if there is sufficient expression of interest from interested Rotarians in D9780.
Other Upcoming Events in the Coming Months
