What do 45 clubs from 4 districts, 200 plus attendees and representatives from Government, community organisations, health services and banks have in common? It’s the 2024 Donations in Kind Open Day showcasing the Magic of Rotary in action.
In brilliant sunshine, people from across Victoria and as far away as Warragul, Mornington, Ballarat, Bendigo and Daylesford arrived at shed 39, 400 Somerville Road to be greeted by the aroma of cooking sausages and the welcoming greetings from Store Manager Colleen d’Offay and DiK Inc Secretary George de Souza.
T
he feature – the iron lung and associated Polio banners and promotional materials. Many attendees had never heard of or seen such a machine – and were fascinated even dismayed at the sight.
he feature – the iron lung and associated Polio banners and promotional materials. Many attendees had never heard of or seen such a machine – and were fascinated even dismayed at the sight.Efforts throughout the week by volunteers showcased goods and opportunities including clothing, stationery kits, caps and hats, shoes, mobility aids, medical consumables and furniture.
The formal opening ceremony was highlighted by the original song penned and sung by PDG Greg Ross and acknowledging guests and work of DiK.
“Good morning everybody so good to see you here,
On this Open Day for DiK in a spirit of good cheer.
From half a shed it’s grown so much, materials of every kind,
Have gone to those communities sometimes left far behind.
Of course recycling is our aim and we thank those who donate,
They value what we’re doing here, their contributions great.
Now we’ve ben watching Olympic Games, For the past 2 weeks or so
With performances that truly thrill, As we see our athletes grow.
We acknowledge now our Olympians, The many generous volunteers
Who have given gold medal performances, Across DiKs years.
But now its time to move along, Before the tours, we won’t be long
Please welcome now Operations Manager for DiK, Colleen d’Offay!”
“Good morning everybody so good to see you here,
On this Open Day for DiK in a spirit of good cheer.
From half a shed it’s grown so much, materials of every kind,
Have gone to those communities sometimes left far behind.
Of course recycling is our aim and we thank those who donate,
They value what we’re doing here, their contributions great.
Now we’ve ben watching Olympic Games, For the past 2 weeks or so
With performances that truly thrill, As we see our athletes grow.
We acknowledge now our Olympians, The many generous volunteers
Who have given gold medal performances, Across DiKs years.
But now its time to move along, Before the tours, we won’t be long
Please welcome now Operations Manager for DiK, Colleen d’Offay!”
After a speech by District Governor Michael, DiK Inc and an address by Danny Pearson, MP for Essendon, Secretary George de Souza made a special presentation to Bob Glindemann and Laurie Fisher thanking them for their combined 48 years of service assisting in the shipment of 708.Formal tours ran throughout the day led by Bob Glindemann, Clarke Ballard, David Dippie and Colleen d’Offay with informal and smaller groups led by other volunteers. New visitors as well as previous attendees remarked on the range of goods available for international and local projects, inspiring ideas for club projects and resulting in several Expressions of Interest and requests for more information.
Specific items were available for donations towards running costs: and the wine and children’s gift packs prepared by Pam Baker and Rose Rogan from the stationery aisle went very quickly. Several motorsport caps and children’s hats were also snapped up and orders taken for chairs and more chidren’s gift/toy packs.
Specific items were available for donations towards running costs: and the wine and children’s gift packs prepared by Pam Baker and Rose Rogan from the stationery aisle went very quickly. Several motorsport caps and children’s hats were also snapped up and orders taken for chairs and more chidren’s gift/toy packs.
West Footscray Rotary did an amazing job on the sausage sizzle and food and drinks were also supplied.
By 2:45pm the clean up was almost done and thanks to Andy, Norm and Laurie the store is ready for duty again on Tuesday.
Many thanks to all who helped make this such a wonderful day!