Rotary Club of Albury-Hume Easter Service Project
Rotary Cares at Easter
An explanation of Our Easter Project
Bringing joy and friendship to those in need … In 1997 Barry Young the then Community Service Director of Albury-Hume Rotary Club identified through the Albury City Council and Meals on Wheels people known as “Shut Ins”. These are unfortunate people who are mostly elderly and are either ill, incapacitated in some way, or poor and the sad fact is that they hardly ever leave their place of living. “Shut Ins” live in accommodation of very poor quality. The project in the beginning was hard yakka and Barry had only had three member helpers, including Bill Stirling. The President of that time was doubtful it would work, but Barry persisted and it has become one of our Club’s meaningful projects. When Barry handed over the reins of the Community Service Portfolio he entrusted Julie Frauenfelder with its future. Julie has carried on taking the “Shut Ins” project to a new level. Barry relied on the usual volunteers, but Julie initiated the idea that each member of the club should deliver and make contact with a “Shut In”. Julie also has increased the 20 receivers of a wonderful hamper to 30 plus.
Explanation of the Project … the mission... Albury-Hume Rotary Club to target 30 needy, lonely and elderly people, known as “Shut Ins” with the purpose of bringing a little joy an
d friendship at Easter by providing a welcome Easter hamper. The names of the “Shut Ins” are pr
ovided by Meals on Wheels. Hamper to comprise non-perishable food items, tinned or packaged plus an Easter egg. The project is completely member driven.
Procurement of goods … Initially members were challenged to raid their pantry and put together items that have been there for a while and not likely to be used or needed. Now most items are purchased by Julie from cash donations although some members prefer to donate goods of their choice.
Packing of hampers … This is done at a Club meeting with members packing the thirty hampers on the Wednesday meeting prior to Good Friday. The hampers are finished off being wrapped in cellophane and tied with an Easter bow. A greeting card from the Club, designed and printed by Peter Merkesteyn is included in each hamper.
Distribution... Hampers are delivered by members o the Wednesday or Thursday prior to Good Friday. Every member is given a hamper to deliver. The project which is completely self-funded by the members not only brings joy and happiness to the people known as “Shut Ins” but to Club members a feeling of heartfelt service and joy which Rotary is all about – “Service above Self”. In most cases the recipients of the hampers welcomed the knock at the door, the gift of a hamper particularly the Easter eggs and most importantly a welcome chat. The thanks expressed to Rotary, some expressed with tears was great to hear and made members proud to be a Rotarian.
Rotary will again “Lead the Way” in our community by enthusiastically embracing this project at Easter.