President Mario Fairlie welcomed all members, our guest Charmaine Wheatley (Rotary e-Club of South Africa), our Charter President Bill Moir joined us as well for a while, as well as our Youth Exchange Student Ayana Sadaka, who joined us on the bus and train to school. (Regrettably, being in the bus, the sound was frequently a bit garbled, interspersed with “doors closing…”). Ayana declares that she is happy and well. She recently talked with her brother in Japan. Similarly to most other countries, Japan is in lockdown, schools are closed. As to her returning? Well, she had the flight booked, but it was cancelled…Charmaine Wheatley (her club received and distributed a container load of wheelchairs about 2 years ago - see Photo Album here) elaborated on her club’s program of feeding the homeless: 50 tons of Maize, 20 tons of Milk Powder from which they make a kind of porridge. You can find all the details on their Facebook page: click here. Her club also has arranged for some 25 ‘Hippo Rollers’ to be donated and distributed in the Maluti Mountains of Lesotho – click here to view a video. Charmaine confirmed that, should we be able to raise the finance to transport a container, her club would be happy to receive and distribute it.
Treasurer Doug Lipp advised that, from the District’s point of view, no International Youth Exchange Programs will happen in the 2020/21 year. Larry Murray elaborated on the upcoming Working Bee at the Project Shed: long and extended, to reorganise the shed to create more working space. Hand Sanitizer will be ready and maintain Social Distancing… (see Photo Album on the right). Mark Twyford confirmed that indeed, as a Volunteer Organisation, we are permitted to work – refer Volunteering Australia guidelines.
Discussions were held on Fundraising ideas and how to make them happen.
Secretary Mitch Brown and District Treasurer Mark Twyford referred to the revised District Budget (taking into consideration the restrictions of COVID-19). The details were emailed to all members. A vote declared all members to be in favour of acceptance.
President Mario Fairlie advised that he’ll take a gentleman he was referred to by former Councillor Dawn Critchlow who might be able to assist us with getting the ‘Sleeping Sanctuary’ off the ground. Expect more next week.
In closing, Charmaine invited us all to share with them in her club’s ‘Happy Hour’. The only hitch: it’s happening at Midnight Australian Eastern Standard Time… Click here to join!