Paul Ferguson was our chairperson for today’s meeting at Cilantro.
International Club Toast
- Grant’s international club toast this week was to President Frances Willacy and members at Annan Rotary Club in Scotland – a town in Dumfries and Galloway located in south-west Scotland and the birth place of George Johnston who sailed aboard the Lady Penrhyn in the First Fleet to Botany Bay in 1788. Grant provided an interesting and well-researched history lesson for everyone – thank you Grant. Annan R.C. projects include hosting a Young Artist Competition, tree planting, and providing electronic equipment to students in their local school.
Club President Announcements –President Glenda
- Today’s meeting focused on highlighting the wide reach of Rotary as an international organisation able to offer direct and financial support for local and international community and humanitarian projects. We are extremely fortunate our club is able to contribute through our club fund raising efforts through operating the Bentleigh Market. Today’s meeting illustrated our club’s efforts with donations to guest recipients – Calvary Care Bethlehem Hospital and Glen Eira SES, and a Certificate of Recognition received from Marriott Support Services.
- Glenda mentions Past RI president Ian Riseley announced Rotary clubs and individual Rotarians are now able to provide direct financial support for Pakistan and Ukraine.
Club Presentations – Community Chair Linda O’Brien.
Linda has the very pleasurable task of presenting the following organisations with club donations.
- Calvary Care Bethlehem Hospital – Shannon Thomson - CEO, and David Zurman – Fundraising officer
- Linda presented Shannon Thomson with a cheque for $15,320 to go towards fitting out the breakout room at the newly built facility at Calvary Care in Caulfield. The donation was made possible with club funds of $8,820, a $5,000 Rotary Grant, and $3,000 from personal club member donations. The breakout room is a much needed recreational room used during patient visits from family members and friends in a warm and welcoming environment.
- Shannon welcomed a club visit to Calvary Care for a breakfast meeting and tour of the new facility. - Glen Eira SES – Nico Lim
- Nico was presented with a cheque for $4,280 to purchase much needed equipment for the SES when providing emergency services - an auto external defibrillator, a submersible light, LED light and power dock. Nico mentioned SES is resourced by volunteers, many of whom have a full time job, but as members of the SES, find the time to assist the local community during times of emergency.
Club Recognition
- Marriott Support Services – Kellie Carruthers
- Kellie presented our club with a Certificate of Recognition for recent works in their garden carried out by Mens Shed and club members Ron, Peter and Grant. A slide show was displayed with photos of the work carried out building raised garden beds.
Club Announcements
- Birthdays, anniversaries and club meeting/market rosters were announced
Fellowship – Jo
- The Gala Ball celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Marriott Support Services will be held on 25th May, and not 16th Feb as announced previously. Marriott Support Services is also seeking suitable prizes for a silent auction during the event.
- Jo reminded club members of the fellowship night at Arco Bar on Monday 20/2, and to let her or Sam know if planning to attend.
Beachside Gift – Paul
- Paul reminded club members of the Beachside Gift being held on Sat 4th Feb with a call for volunteers to assist with the sausage sizzle. Greg is taking numbers.
The gift so far has 700 participants.
Meeting Close – President Glenda closed the meeting adding Imagine Rotary and “imagine what could be done with more members”.