Gary Halliday posted on October 15, 2009 12:30
Last night we were entertained by Stuart Telfin, Manager of Motoring Events for “The Variety Club’s Children’s Charity Bush Bash”. Stuart delved into the zany, whacky world of men and women that push themselves and their old jalopies through tortuous conditions, all in the name of charity. The next ‘Bush Bash’ is to be held between 16th and 26th August 2010, starting at Bennelong Point, outside The Sydney Opera House and finishing in Broken Hill. Stuart’s job is to choose the most unlikely route between the two points, ensuring roads that will be traversed are in a, lets say, less than satisfactory condition. All money raised helps in providing mobility for children through its Sunshine Coach Program. These coaches are equipped with specialised wheelchairs, walking frames and various other modifications that make transporting disabled children more comfortable. Variety also purchases vocal output speech machines, prosthetic limbs, specialised play equipment, computers and hospital ventilators for children’s wards. As Stuart says, “At the end of the day, the smiles we put on children’s faces makes it all worth while”. We all agree on that point Stuart.
On to local matters, you should all be pleased to know that local girl, Ramena Ishak, an alopecia sufferer, has had her confidence restored thanks to the efforts of our club, Fiona Gould and The Liverpool Hospital Wig Library. Our Community Services Director, Jim Rudling finalised the purchase of a wig for Ramena last week and she couldn’t be happier. Ramena is now in the right frame of mind to tackle her end of year exams with confidence.
The Liverpool Art Show is fast approaching. Remember this is a tri-club event. Tickets are $25.00 and Bob Groat is looking for members to help out with various duties on the night. Liverpool Greenway Gala Ball is on 30th October. Tickets are $125. Please contact me ASAP if you wish to attend, so that I can put numbers in with Greenway President, Wayne Schembri.
Internationally, our club donated $1250 to finalise payment for a heart operation on a young girl in Vietnam who had a congenital heart condition. Our good friend Danny Lowe made the plea for help and our club answered. However, this kind of practice is a one off as our club fully supports Rotary’s own foundation, ROMAC, in handling these delicate issues. I am also pleased to report that President Elect Peter Beadle’s son, Adrian, has been accepted for Youth Exchange. Congratulations Adrian.
In Joe Cauchi’s absence, Allan Hall stepped back into his old role of Sergeant and lightened our pockets to the tune of $40. The ever reliable Kevin Walker raised $125 in the raffle which was won by, who else but Geoff Gibbs, it was a family affair with son John taking out third. The trifecta was avoided when special guest Stuart had the temerity to win second prize.
The Farmer’s Market BBQ will be manned by Steve (Brandy) Alexander, Superintendant Adam Whyte and good friend of Rotary, Richard Watts, who also celebrated a birthday this week.
The raffle jackpot will be $80.00 on 20th October.
Charlie.