Rotary meeting 15 th June.
President Geoff was unable to attend as he had family duties to attend to.
President Geoff was unable to attend as he had family duties to attend to.
So Past President Wal took the chair and ran the meeting- in the smaller dining room at Deep Creek Reserve.
Marta gave members an update on the proposed Deb Balls. Unfortunately with the latest Covid lockdowns the timing will not allow the event to happen this year. The information
night could not be held and there is insufficient time to allow 10 weeks of training, and then the Balls, to fit the Secondary Schools time frame before Term 4. Marta is trying to arrange a timeframe that will allow Deb Balls early in 2022 and again in August/September 2022
Marta gave members an update on the proposed Deb Balls. Unfortunately with the latest Covid lockdowns the timing will not allow the event to happen this year. The information
night could not be held and there is insufficient time to allow 10 weeks of training, and then the Balls, to fit the Secondary Schools time frame before Term 4. Marta is trying to arrange a timeframe that will allow Deb Balls early in 2022 and again in August/September 2022
Our guest speaker was our own Roger Thornton speaking as District Chair of DIK (Donations In Kind). Roger’s passion for DIK was evident in his address;
however, technology would not cooperate! It is truly amazing the sheer quantity and variety of goods collected including many new items that can no longer be sold in Australia but are most welcome in overseas countries. The cost and timing of transport by shipping container is becoming a financial burden for DIK. It appears there are not enough containers available anywhere in the world to cope with the transport demand at the present time. Some of this is obviously due to the Covid pandemic that has disrupted worldwide transport.
If you ever get the opportunity to visit the DIK warehouse in Somerton you will be amazed at the size of the “shed” and the volume of goods stored.
Well done Roger.
If you ever get the opportunity to visit the DIK warehouse in Somerton you will be amazed at the size of the “shed” and the volume of goods stored.
Well done Roger.
Presentation Link for those who want to see the full presentation.
Supporting the Circular Economy – Club Project Checklist
Every time a recycled product is repurposed, it eliminates the need to buy a new one, saves valuable resources and the energy involved in manufacturing. Most of the products are also used to support underprivileged people throughout the world. The Circular Economy is an area that every Rotarian and Rotary Club can support, with many options in the Recycling and Repurposing areas.
Many Partnership opportunities, some depend on the proximity to the Club
Domestic Donations
Opportunity Shop Goods
Rotary Opportunity Shops are different, there is no wage bill as they are run by volunteers and all of the profit raised is used to support Rotary projects. Encourage members and friends to donate.
RC Flemington Kensington Op-Shops 444 Racecourse Road in Flemington. 135 Railway Parade, Werribee
RC Kew Fair Trade and Gift Shop 650 High Street Kew East.
Hearing Aids – Recycled Sound
Recycled Sound is a Community Service Project initiated by the Rotary Club of Toorak, to collect, clean, reprogram and recycle hearing aids. Any Club can support this project, by gathering hearing aids.
Home furnishings and white goods recycling - WERN
Sadly, many people can’t afford to buy the basic items required to equip a home. Donations of good quality preloved goods provides a solution.
Refer donations to WERN, For practical reasons they can only collect goods in the western suburbs. The Eastern Emergency Relief Network is similar service.
Used car recycling - Handbrake Turn
Before cars are turned into scrap there is another great service they can provide. They can be used to provided hands-on training in automotive skills for young people aged 15 to 19 who have difficulty within the mainstream education system. Some of the better-quality cars are restored and sold to help cover the operating cost. Refer potential donations to RC Keilor
In Home Medical and Mobility Aids DIK / your Club
Many people fall through the cracks and can’t afford the medical equipment they need at home and for mobility. Surplus equipment is readily available in all communities and if it is not repurposed it becomes landfill. Talk to your local Occupational Health service and they will confirm how great the need is. The local OT’s collect what they need for their clients for free from the DIK Store, but this service could be duplicated anywhere. Clubs can gather surplus reusable equipment locally.
Special Requests via DIK - Spectacles, Winter Clothing and bedding
Commercial Donations
Playground Equipment – Rotary Overseas Recycled Playgrounds
Unwanted playgrounds can be collected from councils and schools and sends them to disadvantaged overseas communities. The donors also contribute to the shipping costs and for some countries this covers the costs. The donors also arrange to have the playground removed by the builder and a Clubs main role is to number the parts, do the sub assembly and help load the van.
Medical and Dental – Donation In Kind
Donations In Kind West Footscray repurposes a large amount of the reusable equipment and supplies that hospitals and suppliers no longer require. Thousands of people are now receiving better care in repurposed hospital beds. All donations have to be complete and in good condition. The only limitation is space at the Store so please contact them before committing to take a donation.
School Equipment and Supplies - Donation In Kind
Donations In Kind offers an alternative recycling service and a much better alternative to landfill. The repurposing capacity is limited by the funds available to ship donations. Although we could place all of the goods Victorian Schools want to dispose of, Rotary lacks the capacity to fund all of the shipping costs. We need to form partnerships with school, where they donate the alternative disposal costs as their contribution to the shipping cost. Helping to identify suitable goods and getting them to the Store is a great way for Clubs to contribute. www.rotarydik.org
To see other great examples www.esraganzpi.org / All Projects / Circular Economy
We believe that this area has great potential for increasing Rotary awareness and almost everyone can contribute in some way. If you promote activity in these areas through your website, bulletins and outdoor activities you will increase interest in your Club and support from the public.
Promotional material is available.
For more information contact David www.solatube@bigpond.com