International Service Projects.
We will continue to support the DIK store in West Footscray.
We will continue to assist with the rebuilding of East Timor by assisting with a program with a number of other clubs which will endeavour to improve the lives of many with several small projects.
A number of members have been regular attendees at the DIK store throughout the year.
We are going to contribute towards this project in East Timor that a number of clubs have been involved in however the stage of the project involving our club has not been reached yet. The board has set aside the funds for this project when required. There is also the opportunity for club members to participate by joining on a trip to East Timor to provide some assistance in implementing the project.
Interplast was an area that our club was instrumental in its development and today continues with our own Mike McFarlane acting as our Districts Interplast coordinator. Our support for Interplast this year will begin with the Bush Poets Dinner Function, any surplus funds will go towards Interplast.
Whilst the Bush Poets evening did not eventuate, our contribution of $16,000 towards Interplast was greatly received. Mike McFarlane continues to work tirelessly in promoting Interplast as district 9800 coordinator. He has spoken at a large number of club meetings throughout the year, promoting the excellent work of Interplast. Mike also had the opportunity to attend an Interplast trip in the Philippines as the official Rotary observer. Mike’s presentation to the club on his return was an important opportunity for members of our club to see the work in action, and to see the money being put to good use. The difference these operations make to the lives of the children concerned cannot be understated and I think we were blessed to have such an insight as this which was provided by one of our own members.
Peter Stewart has already indicated to the board a project that he has some involvement in with another Rotarian from the Rotary club of Glenferrie, which will see a group of medicos travel to Sumba in an effort to provide assistance to peoples of that area. As a club we will support Peter any way we can in this project.
Peter’s presentation to the club on his work with the Sumba Eye Project was for me a highlight of the year. It is incredible to see the effect programs such as these have on the recipients. It is also amazing to consider what can be done for such a small amount of money, particularly when you consider how many people benefitted, some with life changing results, from the treatment during this visit. From this we participated in the joint evening with the RC of Glenferrie, which saw an amazing $14,000 raised towards the project from this one evening with 180 people attending. Our club made a fantastic contribution in a number of ways to this evening, and I want to again thank our members for doing so. Our club is making a further contribution of $6,000 in order that Peter and the team can make another trip to Sumba and continue the excellent work that they do.