Ron was our chairperson for today's club meeting at Cilantro. Guests included Bruno Santi, Michael Josem, and Gary Ramage.PRESIDENT AND CLUB ANNOUNCEMENTS
We received correspondence from Polio Plus thanking us for our club donation of $5,000, and from Emerge for providing Christmas cakes and lego sets.
The following donations were approved by the board at the February board meeting - RAMS $2,000, ROMAC $2,000, Mercy Ships $1,000, and the Alannah and Madeline Foundation $5,000. Members will be asked to vote on the donation for the Alannah and Madeline Foundation at the club meeting on Wednesday 25/2.
BANNER PRESENTATION
Michael Josem presented President Grant with a very colourful green banner from his 'old' club, R.C. of Douglas on the Isle of Man. Michael recently returned to Australia, and has attended club meetings, and our market in recent times. We look forward to inducting him into our club when club transfer formalities are completed.
ROTARY PILOT PROGRAM
Ron provided an update on the Rotary pilot program, advising the program has been extended for a further two years. Districts have been requested to pause on appointing District Governors 2028-2029, pending further district merge activity.
GUEST SPEAKER - Trudi Sheppard - President of the Australian Animal Protection Society
Club members received a wonderful and impassioned presentation from Trudi Sheppard. Trudi's association with Rotary goes back quite a way when she was a Rotary exchange student sponsored by the R.C. of Dingley, travelling to Ontario, Canada in 1997. She provided an account of her time during the exchange and the wonderful experiences she had. Trudi expressed her appreciation for the opportunities provided to her, and the lifelong connections she has made and with whom she continues to have frequent contact.
Trudi is currently the President of the Australian Animal Protection Society (AAPS) which provides shelter for homeless animals - mostly cats and dogs, though other animals are also accepted as the need arises. Trudi outlined their current operations, advising AAPS has been operating for 50 years with operations dependent on volunteers, foster carers, and supporters, and a board that volunteers their time to oversee the society's programs. They have a diversified income stream with financial support coming from philanthropy, donations, fundraising raffles and appeals, and special callouts. They also provide services through a vet practice, animal grooming, cat boarding, and running op shops staffed by volunteers in Cheltenham, Moorabbin, Keysborough and online. A new purpose built shelter was built in Keysborough in 2021. Trudi provided some facts and figures for last year advising they received 18,615 calls on their advice line, and housed 1576 animals - of which 569 were sent to foster carers, and 1007 were adopted. The society is a resource for education on animal welfare and welcomes school groups to learn more about caring for animals and pets. Trudi has always enjoyed caring for animals and encourages people to volunteer or become foster carers advising it is very rewarding. Thank you Trudi for your wonderful presentation - your passion for animals was clearly evident and had everyone engaged.
ROSTERS
The rosters were announced.
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations were in store for our newest member Gabriela who married Bruno, our guest at today's meeting, during the past weekend. Gabriela and Bruno both provided an account of their wedding day with little snippets of information and the joyous occasion that was enjoyed by all who attended. Congratulations to you both!
