Graeme and Sean help out at Special Olympics
Sean from Seaborne clothing was a special guest during the month, and was on hand to donate the sports uniforms organised by Graeme. Most of club members know Sean from his sponsorship of the Special Olympus team. Goodonya Sean and don't they look great!
The club recently donated $900 to the Sunshine Coast Special Olympics Swimming Team for uniform swim jackets. We were joined by two swim team members to be presented their jackets and handover from Sean Sharkey from Seaborne Clothing who suplied the jackets at cost. We wish them all the best in their upcoming events.
The Sunshine Coast Special Olympics are proud to be part of the Special Olympics Australia community which brings sport, joy and inclusion to people with intellectual disability and/or autism.
Their shared vision is an inclusive Australia where people with intellectual disability and/or autism live active, healthy and fulfilling lives.
You can find out more @ www.specialolympics.com.au
Rainbow House come to visit
As well as supporting local volunteers, the club also supports international projects, and for many years Rainbow House in Zambia has been one of our great interests. It all started many years ago with the involvement of Dave and Cherie and their donations to this amazing school for the disadvantaged kids in the Lusaka district. This year two of the Rainbow House came along, one the head teacher and organiser, an one student who is an amazing success story.
This morning we were joined by the fantastic team at Our Rainbow House.
The charity is committed to providing quality education and nutrition to orphans and vulnerable children in a village on the outskirts of Lusaka, Zambia.
Alison Ray - Director who established the school supported by Emerald Rotary Club. The charity has gained the support from many other Rotary Clubs in Queensland of which we are privileged to be a part of.
Mary Matandiko Kunzle - Project Coordinator at the School in Zambia
Henry Perry - past student and advocator..Henry was brought in from a village 40km from Lusaka where he was living with his grandfather and had little prospect of receiving an education far less than subsistence living. He excelled at the school and has since graduated from University. He wants to give back to Rainbow House and says a big thanks to Alex Rotary.
The students have the opportunity to learn in a safe environment where they are taught the Zambian National Curriculum.
In addition to this, all students receive two meals a day during school and are provided with mealie-meal for the school holidays.
The primary Objectives of Our Rainbow House :
- Contribute to the education of the community’s orphans & vulnerable children, and those who care for them.
- Continue to operate a small primary school and support the transition of senior students into high school.
- Make these school premises available outside of school hours for educational & community purposes.
- Support the continuing education of all those involved with the school.
- To support local groups in their efforts to obtain good basic services in the areas of waste disposal, water, electricity, and government schools.
- Appreciate and encourage all local involvement – in preparation for autonomy.
Brightwater School Bike Program
During the month we received update from Steve on ow the Brightwater school port s reskin. Its going gangbusters !! its popularity and effectiveness has grown so much that its embedded as a regular part of the syllabus for kids who would benefit from some practical skills, (and mentoring from Steve) that its impacting positively on their other lessons and school behaviour.
It was great to hear from one of our regular beneficiaries this week in Brightwater State School and Steve Smith who runs their Bike Maintenance Program which has been a great success at the school.
The aim of the program is to restore and recycle children's bikes which are donated by Alexandra Headland Rotary Club.
The program enables the students to build/enhance social skills within the group and learn different skills.
It provides the students with an engaging, hands on experience and a break from the usual core curriculum.
Our club is proud to support this program for young students from year 5 to 7.
Alex Rotary Continues its support of the University Community Fund
Here's our wendy with teh graduates who benefitted from the Rotary Community bursary.
Membership continues to grow
At this weeks meeting President Wendy donned the ceremonial necklace to officially induct new member Tatiana .
Great to see the club continuing to grow and welcome aboard Tatiana.
..and this month Jo-Anne was our sergeant, tasked with collecting loose change for future club donations. Here's a slogan worth remembering. All teh small change last year amounted to over $2,000 in donations, thanks to members and their "shrapnel".
