Members & Friends of the Perth Rotary Club,
“My Mama always said, ‘Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.’” Forrest Gump, The Movie 1994. Rotary is a little like a box of chocolates, you never know where or what the next opportunity will be…..Sometimes they come in unexpectedly amazing guest speakers, sometimes they come in giving of your time to volunteer, but rest assured, the opportunities to serve your community are plentiful and varied.
Our guest speakers last week took us on a tour of the slums of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It was so much more than just another guest speaker talking about their charity. Both Des and Sara talked movingly, colourfully and practically about the challenges facing so many families as they battle disease and economic instability. Ethiopia, a land locked nation and has one of the fastest growing populations in the world with a median age of 18 years. Through Direct Reach Ethiopia (DRE) they are able to sponsor children and take them off the streets of Addis Ababa and place them into group homes of 8 children with a foster mother. DRE provides hope and practical assistance in the forms of seeds for gardens, clothing, school supplies and the restoration of dignity and pride. Many of their children have now gone on to University, been reunited with lost family members and able to contribute back to their communities in a way not dreamt of previously. It was an inspiring and educational meeting and I would like to thank Nicola Johnston and the program committee for bringing Des and Sara to our attention along with PP George Etrelezis who thanked Des and Sara on behalf of the Club.
This week, Friday 11 September, we welcome Perth Rotary Corporate Member Di Wilcox, Founder of the Magic Coat for Kids as our Guest Speaker. Magic Coat for Kids aims to create confident, calm and caring kids who know how to problem solve, feel safe and manage their emotions appropriately. Di is passionate about working with our youth, has a positive impact on children and families and a message that is able to be applied not only within our family environment, but in any situation where we want to create a confident, calm and caring work environment – the principals are the same and I urge you to RSVP via paperless post or direct to Darren Perera at clubservice@rotaryperth.org.au by COB Wednesday of this week to hear Di speak about her program. Lunch is $55/pp, pay at the door. 12.30 – 2pm The Westin Hotel.
The following week, Friday 18 September we have a special business lunch hosted by the Path of Hope Foundation. Major Brad Potter, Divisional Commander of the Salvation Army, Western Australia will be the key note speaker. Major Potter will share the expansion of the Salvation Army’s shelter for women and children in Karratha, based on the Perth Model.
This event will also serve as the launch of the 2021 Path of Hope Gala Ball which is generously sponsored since its inception (est 2015) by Hancock prospecting and Roy Hill of which Mrs Rinehart is the chairman. The paperless post invitation has been forwarded to your email address with the trybooking link for tickets. Seats are limited, so please do not delay, go on line to book at www.trybooking.com/BKTFC This is an event you do not want to miss!
Our next Thursday evening meeting will be 24 September 2020 and hosted at the Cottesloe Central Shopping Mall , 460 Stirling Highway Peppermint Grove where we will launch the 2020 Vienna Pops New Years Eve Concert with Mark Coughlan, our Musical Director bringing Perth Rotary and our music to the public. Please save the date and look for further details in the links below. A Hint.... COVID19 has made Perth a safe haven for many people, including our international stars who have returned home whilst all theatres and productions are on hold.
Save the Date - Perth & Crawley Rotary Clubs to come together, Thursday 22 October for a joint meeting to raise funds for the End Polio Now Campaign with a DINNER (evening) at The Westin. Now more than ever, it is important that we as a club commit and contribute to this global effort to eradicate the polio virus.
Perth Rotary Volunteering Opportunities - We have made a conscious decision this year to provide more hands on volunteer opportunities for our members. This is a free, rewarding and enjoyable way in which to serve the community we live in and have a positive impact on the lives of those around us who need our support.
Last Saturday Club Services Director Darren Perera and I joined with the Perth Rotaract Club Members and Global Citizens from the Dalkeith Rotary and City East Rotary Clubs to pack toothbrushes for the Kimberly Dental Team. Darren and I had a great time getting to know these young people, formed some new friendships and enjoyed spreading the joy of all things Rotary. Please see the link below for an update on the Kimberly Dental Team along with other opportunities to serve our community.
Have you booked on line for the 2020 Rotary Virtual Convention Yet?
Please refer below for more details on the Zone 8 Rotary Conference, scheduled for the weekend of 19th and 20th September. Click the link and you can register. https://e.mybookingmanager.com/E81217415202145
The PROSTATE CANCER FOUNDATION Challenge: Come and join us for a family day out, enjoying our beautiful city and raising funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation at the same time.. No one knows better than me, Cancer is not discriminatory, it will sneak up on any one of us at any time. Our best tool to combat this disease is medical research…. Let’s all do our part, come and join us. More information on how to register can be found in the links below or please feel free to contact Dr David Preece or a member of the Fellowship Team direct at fellowship@rotaryperth.org.au .
The team page for 'Perth Rotary' for the long run event. https://www.thelongrun.org.au/fundraisers/perthrotary To join the team people just need to click on the link and hit the join button, or you can make a donation without joining.
Other events you may be interested in outside of our club:
Rotary Means Business - District 9455
PINK RIBBON MASKED BALL - in support of Breast Cancer Awareness
Barbara McNaught, MOMENTUM FORUM EVENTS
Date: Saturday 17 October 2020
Time: 6.30pm till late
Venue: The Crown Towers, Perth
Dress Code: Women - glamorous evening gown
Men - pink or black Tie
Glamorous mask of your choice.
Bookings : https://bit.ly/3gxyQM8
Thank you so much for your support.
Barbara McNaught
PERTH ROTARY 2020/21 BOARD EMAIL
President: Jill Dawson president@rotaryperth.org.au
Past President: Vangelis Katsaitis vangelis@excellenceps.com.au
President Elect: Rev Dr John Shepherd AM john.h.shepherd@bigpond.com
Treasurer: Joseph Wambua treasurer@rotaryperth.org.au
Secretary: Jacques Phillips secretary@rotaryperth.org.au
Rotary Foundation Emma Cork emma@oneenergyfps.com.au
Club Service: Darren Perera clubservice@rotaryperth.org.au
Fellowship Chair: Jo Morris fellowship@rotaryperth.org.au
Media Chair Barry Thornton barrythornton@hotmail.com
Speaker Program Nicola Johnston programmechair@rotaryperth.org.au
Membership Ashley Whitworth membership@rotaryperth.org.au
Vocational Jonas Edner vocational@rotaryperth.org.au
Community David Wee community@rotaryperth.org.au
International Wesley Sim international@rotaryperth.org.au
Youth Kelly Gibson youth@rotaryperth.org.au