| | Welcome Message from President Anne Brown 2009 -2010 | 
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My name is Anne Brown and I have the honour to be the 2009-10 President of the Rotary Club of Kew on Yarra. I have had the pleasure of being President of another club, of which I was previously a member and, in my 10 years in Rotary, I have visited many clubs in our District 9800 and participated in numerous District activities. I mention this background, simply because I believe I am in sound position to substantiate my assessment, our club can more than justify the often heard accolade, we "punch well above our weight". There are a number of reasons for this situation, including: We are not too formal and have fun. There is noticeable camaraderie. We regularly have interesting speakers. Every member contributes in a meaningful way. We have a balanced programme of service, both local and international.
Above all else, we have a strong commitment to the Rotary motto of "Service Above Self". On the international scene, we support children's educational focussed projects in Kathmandu, Nepal and, through a sister club relationship with Bali Ubud, support a birthing centre in an area where facilities and resources are basic at best. Also, we contribute annually to the Shelter Box Project, providing shelter for those affected by natural disasters. We annually contribute to the Rotary Foundation, which distributes around $US 60 million to assist third world countries in an amazing array of life saving projects. There is also support for the Donations In Kind activity, which collects useful product which is sorted and then shipped to needy countries, based on identified needs. Locally there is a plethora of not-for-profit and charitable organisations which benefit from our assistance. These include: A Book Fair, raising funds for an orphanage in Romania. Camp Getaway, for disadvantaged young people. Rotary projects for youth, including:
Rotary Youth Leadership Award Model United Nations Assembly. Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment. Shine On Awards, recognising the achievements of the disadvantaged.
Lastly, we are a major contributor to the Boroondara Cares project. In partnership with the Boroondara City Council, an extensive number of initiatives are mounted to assist the drought affected residents in the Moira Shire, based on the towns of Cobram, Yarrawonga, Nathalia and Numurka. You will readily recognise the enormous satisfaction we get, from knowing we have a material beneficial effect on the lives of so many people, both locally and overseas, who clearly need assistance. If you are at a stage in your life, when you feel it is time to repay the many blessings you have received, by being a member of Australian society and, recognise Rotary could be the most effective vehicle to maximise the the personal contribution you could make, then we would welcome your attendance at a meeting, to learn how the spirit of our club will enhance your life. You may already recognise the extraordinary strength, of the Rotary brand, however, you may not be aware Rotary is the only charitable organisation, in the world, to have a seat at the United Nations. Thank you for visiting our website, I hope you have gained some insight into why, the Rotary Club of Kew on Yarra, is proud , not only of its contribution to those in need, however, how much fun and fellowship we have in achieving the goals we set ourselves. |
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