Posted by David Button and David Anderson on Aug 24, 2023
Our meeting Wednesday night was marvellous and Vinnie from Mercy Ships shared his story and the remarkable work he has done and is again to embark upon. Friday he sets off for a 28-month tour of duty on Mercy Ships and his work for this period is 100% voluntary. I’m sure all who witnessed his presentation recognise what a special person Vinnie is. It was also terrific to have so many visiting Rotarians attend to hear Vinnie’s story and this collaboration between clubs is certainly worth investing in.
Guest speaker Vincent Lo (Vinnie to his friends) spoke about his volunteer involvement with Mercy Ships as a pharmacist. It was an interesting and compelling presentation that showed the collective transformation of lives through the work of everyone onboard a Mercy Ship. Vinnie spoke about not just the transformation of the patient after life-changing surgery, but also the family, the community and the people on the ship. One person's story, transition and positive outcome can affect many more lives, including our own.
Mercy Ships Australia (a key member of the Mercy Ships global partnership) was founded in 2001. A global charity that has operated hospital ships in developing nations since 1978, bringing hope and healing to the forgotten poor by mobilising people and resources worldwide, Mercy Ships serves all people without regard for race, gender or religion.
A dream that began in a young man’s heart has become a reality — a state-of-the-art hospital ship that delivers hope and healing to people around the globe living in dire circumstances.
Mercy Ships uses state-of-the-art hospital ships that deliver free, world-class health care services, capacity building and sustainable development aid to those without access in the developing world. Founded in 1978, Mercy Ships has worked in more than 70 countries providing services valued at more than $1.66 billion, with more than 2.77 million direct beneficiaries. Each year, more than 1,000 volunteers from over 40 nations serve with Mercy Ships. Professionals including surgeons, dentists, nurses, health care trainers, teachers, cooks, seamen, engineers, and support staff donate their time and skills to the effort. Mercy Ships seeks to transform individuals and serve nations one at a time.
HOW DONATIONS ARE ALLOCATED
Mercy Ships is committed to being completely transparent with you. From every $1 donation, 87c goes straight to our Ship and Field Operations to provide surgeries and medical care to those who have no other hope. As little as 13c is set aside for the cost of raising volunteers and funds and overhead expenses.
If you would like to support Vinnie in his role as a volunteer Pharmacist, click on the photo below,
We hear about it all the time. Rotarians like to go out and have a good time.
Our Club Caterers, Bob and Vicky, would love our Club members to experience one of their tribute band nights; this time, it is the Bee Gees. At last week's meeting, Bob and Vicky donated two tickets as an icebreaker to get TEN people from our Club to this event. Past tribute band events run by Bob and Vicky have been delightful, so if you are free on the 8th September, come along and enjoy the show.
I was privileged on Wednesday afternoon to represent our club at a small function at St John of God Berwick to mark their 5 years at 75 Kangan Dve. Berwick.
There were presentations from Lisa, Linda as well as the CEO of their foundation. Together the team are collectively proud of the way they look after their patients and the important part they play in the overall local health community.
Linda was also able to share a little about her recent overseas trip to Granada in Spain when she wanted to learn more about St John.
The story of Saint John of God gives us a vivid glimpse of life in 16th century Spain and, especially, in the recently conquered city. Saint John was born in Portugal as João Cidade and roamed the peninsula and Europe as a soldier of fortune - he went as far as Vienna with the army of Carlos Quinto to fight the Turks - and itinerant book-peddler, until he came to Granada.
Here, he was “re-born” at the hands of one of the time’s many charismatic preachers, who - in a Spain profoundly disenchanted with the Catholic church, whose princes had proven powerless to remedy the sufferings caused by war and disease - often offered the poor their only ray of hope. While listening to the fateful sermon, John “heard” God ordering him to care for the sick, an experience which sent him into a fit so violent that he was locked up with the “locos” in the Hospital Real for several months.
He soon became a familiar figure on the filthy streets of the city, often carrying home dying beggars on his shoulders. With the alms he collected he created his own hospital, which after his death multiplied into the great Order now active throughout the world.
Linda shared some terrific pictures including the basilica which I have also visited.
The Hospital has recently erected a wall of thanks representing our connection with them. This picture shows us amongst a wonderful group of people responsible for the establishment and success of the hospital.
On Tuesday I received a request from a social worker at the Casey North Community Support Information Service (CNCISS) requesting help to provide a wheelchair for a very needy family (see attached email):
"I’m currently working with a client who is desperately in need of a wheelchair for her 82yo mother who is blind, has mobility issues and her Mum has just come into her care full time. She cares for her mother 24/7. She is experiencing severe financial hardship."
By that afternoon I had allocated a wheelchair from our wonderful friends at DIK and today (in 48 hours!) the chair was delivered and collected by the person in need (see testimony below).
What a wonderful organisation we have!
Regards,
Gus
Good afternoon Gus and Berwick Rotary,
Thanking you kindly for your generous support and quickness of the delivery of the donated wheelchair. It was a pleasant surprise waiting for me. I have contacted the client who came into the service and picked the wheelchair. Her Mum was sitting in the car waiting as she unable to stay home alone with no supervision due to her age and blindness.
She was very happy to receive the wheelchair and expressed her sincere appreciation. She was happy to have a picture taken to give to you.
I would like to again take the time to thank you for the wonderful support you provide to our community and to our service at Casey North😊
Posted by Trevor Watson and David Anderson
on Aug 24, 2023
Rotary Overseas Relocated Playgrounds - Neighbouring Rotary Clubs come together today to finish loading the 14 harvested playgrounds into a shipping container bound for PNG. The culmination of months of work. Exciting times are ahead for the children abroad 😊
Yesterday I (President Dave) gave Russell and Trevor a hand to finish loading a container of harvested playgrounds into a huge shipping container bound for Bougainville. It was a great collaboration between neighbouring clubs and I thank Jen, Russell and Trevor particularly for their continued work in this project.
You’re welcome to help Build a culture where everyone can belong, contribute, and thrive. We will showcase inspiring speakers and great entertainment.
Join us at our District 9820 conference for 2024 in Warrnambool
Stay close to the centre of town so there isn’t too much driving and can relax with a local drop and spend a few hours at a museum or gallery We want everyone to have a great holiday and walk on the beach, have a picnic in the gardens and enjoy a coffee and read the paper in the sunshine. Luckily you don’t have to think too hard about what to do as you know Warrnambool can tick all the boxes for everyone.
On Tuesday I received a request from a social worker at the Casey North Community Support Information Service (CNCISS) requesting help to provide a wheelchair for a very needy family (see attached email):
