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The Foundation committee met 5th April 2025 to discuss and debate both District Grant and Global Grant applications for this incoming Rotary Year. We are now in process with Fundraising Director Ross Augustine kindly collating a District Grant, due 31 May. With assistance from Wheelchair Trust Chairman Geoff Croad collating numbers and details and any of us with anything else needed to fill in any gaps. The focus of the District Grant is to order additional materials for manufacture of the wheelchairs - additional materials as the purchase/expenditure would need to be around July AFTER the district Grant is approved and provided, with our matching funds. BIG BIG thanks to Ross and Geoff. Global grant application - as it stands, consideration of applying for a Global grant is on pause as we deliberate short term, medium term and long term considerations for both the Shed and Club member/volunteer involvement. We can apply for a Global Grant anytime of the calendar if we decide to go ahead. The Foundation committee will meet again in a couple of months to discuss both - viability of applying for a global grant, how best and whether we go ahead, and,
- consider and discuss in earnest a LOCAL project/service that we also utilise the shed for, as we moderate the degree of work on the wheelchairs.
Earnest consideration of number two is necessary in light of particular matters raised. Such as, - longevity of manpower required for wheelchair manufacture as it’s becoming an issue,
- considering a LOCAL project the shed can be effectively used for in parallel to wheelchair manufacture/delivery, and
- effective use of the shed that brings good light to renewing the lease when it comes up in 2028. That is, minimise the risk of losing the shed space if the Club wants to keep hold of it. A local project will make it even more attractive for the lease to be renewed for the Club.
Elizabeth Celi, Foundation Director. |
President Andy has received a message from the President of the Rotary Club of Balaju (Kathmandu, Nepal), Ms Shova Kumari Poudel, advising that she would like to visit our club this Wednesday, 16th April. 
Last Wednesday we enjoyed meeting with with our volunteers at our wheelchair project shed in Arundel. No formalities, just President Andy's rousing address from the pulpit to the troops.... 
And we welcomed our guests (and soon to be members) Kane Chisholm and Paige Lovett from Kieser Australia! Special thanks go to Angus 'Onion King' Miller for preparing, cooking and dishing up a stack of delicious Egg & Bacon rolls and to our Associate Member Lionel Molloy, who brewed several jugs of filter coffee! Great meeting. More pictures on our Facebook page 
It's still early days, and details will be provided in the appropriate time. But meanwhile, reserve the date of Sunday 6th July 2025 for our Changeover Luncheon, when President Andy Bell will hand the collar over to President Elect Paul Seymour.
