We were fortunate to have guest speakers Gary, CEO of the South Melbourne Community Chest, and Brenda, a board member. The South Melbourne Community Chest operates an opportunity shop at 200 Bank Street, which is owned by the City of Port Phillip.
South Melbourne Community Chest sell donated goods with the help of 20 volunteers. The proceeds of the sales goes to the distribution grants annually to deserving organizations within the city, including the Port Phillip Rotary Club on a couple of occasions. They generously donate $75,000 to $80,000 each year. Annually, they also award a $1,000 scholarship to a secondary student for their tertiary education.
Initially set up as a Patriotic Fund during the war to provided grants for health, education, and welfare. The City Council and residents ran it, with its aims and objectives remaining similar to today’s ethos.
It established Claremont House, an aged care facility, between 1950-1960 and supported the YMCA in the 1970s and 1980s. Residents took over its operations when the City Council stepped back.
Initially set up as a Patriotic Fund during the war to provided grants for health, education, and welfare. The City Council and residents ran it, with its aims and objectives remaining similar to today’s ethos.
It established Claremont House, an aged care facility, between 1950-1960 and supported the YMCA in the 1970s and 1980s. Residents took over its operations when the City Council stepped back.
Following the talk, our club member Marg visited the Opportunity Shop seeking sheets and doonas for making toiletry bags for women escaping domestic violence. IMPACT is the charity that require the toiletry bags for their cliental. What a wonderful idea! The manager kindly offered Marg to take items for free, but Marg insisted on paying.
Marg found the manager, Kellie, to be supportive of Port Phillip and her efforts to help women in crisis, having been in a similar situation herself. Kellie advocates on behalf of women and children in abusive domestic situations.
Thank you to Marg for sharing her story, collecting reusable items, and supporting both Port Phillip Rotary and other charities.
Marg found the manager, Kellie, to be supportive of Port Phillip and her efforts to help women in crisis, having been in a similar situation herself. Kellie advocates on behalf of women and children in abusive domestic situations.
Thank you to Marg for sharing her story, collecting reusable items, and supporting both Port Phillip Rotary and other charities.