Each year, Rotary International highlights November as Rotary Foundation Month to emphasize the importance of and need for Rotarian support of The Rotary Foundation.
The Rotary Foundation transforms your gifts into projects that change lives both close to home and around the world. As the charitable arm of Rotary International, Foundation taps into a global network of Rotarians who invest their time, money, and expertise into our priorities, such as eradicating polio and promoting peace. Foundation grants empower Rotarians to approach challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, and malnutrition with sustainable solutions that leave a lasting impact.
Strong financial oversight, a stellar charity rating, and a unique funding model mean that we make the very most of your contribution. Give and become a part of Rotary’s life-changing work!
The collective leadership and expertise of our 1.2 million members helps us tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges, locally and globally. We are united by common values and vision for the future as we sharpen our focus with targeted specific causes that will reach communities most in need.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
For more than 100 years, our guiding principles have been the foundation upon which our values and tradition stand. The Four-Way Test, Object of Rotary, and the Avenues of Service express our commitment to service, fellowship, diversity, integrity, and leadership.
HISTORY OF THE ROTARY FOUNDATION
At the 1917 convention, outgoing RI President Arch C. Klumph proposed to set up an endowment “for the purpose of doing good in the world.” In 1928, it was renamed The Rotary Foundation, and it became a distinct entity within Rotary International.
It is with sadness that we say a loving farewell to Joan Daniels, a mentor, a leader, a compassionate and caring soul, and a woman who truly faced every challenge in life with bravery and intelligence.
At St. Leonards College Joan served as Chair of the College Council from 1980 to 1983, and she was the first woman to hold this position. She was also an inaugural member of the Harefield Club and was highly regarded for her contributions to the College’s direction and success.
Beyond her formal roles, Joan was deeply involved in many aspects of school life. She was President of the Mothers Association, bringing her leadership, kindness, and community spirit to this important group. She also had a strong dedication to charitable work and, following the passing of her beloved husband Frank, ran the family printing business while caring for her children.
Joan served in Rotary for 35 years and 3 months. She died while still a serving member on Saturday 5th October 2024.
The DISTRICT 9800’s Annual General Meeting was attended via Zoom.
Congratulations to Ron Payne and his team at District 9800. Ron structured the Rotary focus for the 2023 to 2024 around RI President R. Gordon R. Mc Inally's theme of Create Hope in the World. This proved to be an inspiring theme and one in which Ron endeavoured to promote strongly.
Having operated at full capacity, EMPOWER AUSTRALIA'S FOOD RELIEF CENTRE in Southbank underwent months of renovation. The new facility will not only increase the capacity to serve the community but also create a welcoming space resembling an upmarket grocery store, highlighting our commitment to supporting the community while preserving the dignity of those facing food insecurity.
Port Phillip Rotary has a long and proud history with EMPOWER and this event will highlight not only the amazing work they undertake but also the need for organisations such as this.
Pastor Neil CEO
Pastor Neil is the CEO. And he spoke about the impact that the charity is having within the community and also about the fantastic support given to them by companies such as Mc Cains. And along with Pastor Neil, Pastor Sam and Adeline ensure everything runs along smooths. At the very heart and soul of Empower are its 400 volunteers.
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.
Another busy couple of months and the start of our new lease; RIMERN opted to continue at their current East Brunswick warehouse for another 3 years, so it’s all systems go with FOUR new member agencies or programs who can now order furniture, appliances and homewares for their clients setting up secure homes in our inner Melbourne service area!
Congratulations Pam on obtaining on behalf of our club the requested two pallets of toys. DIK has secured 20 pallets of assorted Lego sets. While we don't have details regarding age ranges, quantities, or themes, DIK’s experience with Lego offers has been overwhelmingly positive, so we’re confident in moving forward just in time for Christmas for our nominated charities.
Be part of the excitement as we unveil this year's Linden Postcard Show, featuring over 1000 artworks in a wide array of styles, mediums and themes by wonderful artists from across Australia. Bring your friends, enjoy drink as you explore the walls and find out who will be awarded one of this year's many prizes.
Another grateful family (with a smile) because you care. The family now have a sustainable washroom toilet where there is privacy, safety and dignity.
Although our primary focus is in the area of health and hygiene through clean water and sanitation, we are often confronted with other challenges that need our attention. The compassionate arm of our work in the villages is funded through the Marion Legacy Fund. It is also essential. See the attachment for an update.
On August 29th, our school had the pleasure of welcoming Wendy Stirling, Port Phillip Rotary Youth Chair along with Des O’Shanassy, District 9800 Rotary Youth Director. They attended the Interact Club’s executive meeting to review and discuss both ongoing and future projects.
Rehana Ziyad ( staff representative for Interact at Mac Rob) and Wendy Stirling
On Tuesday, the 26th of November, I had the privilege of attending the presentation night at Mac Rob, which was held at the Palais Theatre in St Kilda. It was an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable achievements of their community throughout the past year. The event showcased their outstanding outcomes, realized through dedication, curiosity, creativity, and collaboration.
The Mac Robertson Girls’ High School Interact Club rachieved a remarkable milestone by packing 33,000 meal packs for the humanitarian initiative "For A Meal." This achievement, marked by dedication and collaboration, underscores the club's commitment to addressing global needs and supporting communities in crisis.
The scale of this project was impressive: 33,000 meal packs were assembled in a single day with each pack designed to feed a family of four for one meal. These meal packs are destined for some of the most vulnerable populations around the world, including those affected by war and natural disasters. By focusing on such critical needs, the Interact Club has significantly contributed to alleviating hunger and providing much-needed support to families facing dire circumstances.