On-Line Zoom meeting. We had apologies from Gerald East and Karen Holland. Might have been a "social" meeting, but - amazing! - the entire hour was taken up by earnest discussion of club business! ☺
President Mario Fairlie welcomed all members and our guest, Charmaine Wheatley (Rotary e-Club of South Africa). He briefly elaborated on the 'Community Bench', one of the potential projects and his upcoming meeting with Wheelchair Trust Chair Larry Murray and Des La Rance in relation to the Project Shed activities.
About 3 years ago, Charmaine was instrumental in getting a container load of wheelchairs distributed on the "dark continent". She gave us a brief outline of her club (they recently added 7 new members). Since it is an e-Club with members throughout the world, her On-Line meetings start at 2:00 am! She also enthused about one of the recipients of a Surfers Sunrise wheelchair who is now riding it to coach kids at Soccer training!
Peter Morgan has a potential "client" for our wheelchairs in the international aid agency Caritas. Charmaine also brought to our attention the possibility of getting a "last leg" container at a substantially reduced rate or even free. (Following up with our Logistics guru Col Laurenson: expect about A$800 - freight to Johannesburg approx US$3,500).
Community Bench: President Mario elaborated on a note received from Col Laurenson in relation to the Community Bench and its installation in the Gold Coast region. However, it is our understanding that the installation and ongoing maintenance of these would be taken care of by Jo Winwood's organisation; our club would not be involved - we would only manufacture them and sell them to Feros Care.
President Elect Charles Thomasson indicated that we'll still have a Change-over lunch. He'll try to find a venue where social distancing can be observed. Also, this year's Golf Day is scheduled for about September/October, COVID regulations permitting.
Larry Murray elaborated in more detail about the proposed re-organisation of the Project Shed. Principally, the changes involve the moving of the Shelving Racks to the side walls and have work benches in the centre area. See Des La Rance's draft plan below.
The meeting concluded at 08:35 am. A video recording is available for 1 month; the link was sent out to all members. If you would like to receive the link, please email the Editor.
