I do hope this week’s bulletin does find that you are all well and looking after yourself and your loved ones.
It appears the roadmap to our freedoms is close to allowing us more freedoms to enjoy the nice warm weather of spring and summer. As a result of our new found freedoms, a social get-together is arranged for 30th October 2021 at Blenheim Park from 10:00am. It has been suggested we support the new Café Giovette’s in Blenheim Road shops, and bring along coffee and something to eat. Sandeep has some entertaining surprises in-stall for us.
Let us hope this ‘opening up’ will keep progressing so we can enjoy a Christmas with our family and friends.
During our meeting last week, we were enlightened by the fascinating stories from Sue O’Neill of the Pink Umbrella Foundation. Sue started her charitable works hosting a young ROMAC patient and his mother, he was in Australia for a medical procedure. Sue was asked at that time by one of our past presidents, Phil Isaacs, if she would like to join Rotary. Sue then joined the Rotary Club of Kenthurst and now living in Terrigal (after a few years at Pearl Beach) is a member of the Rotary Club of Brisbane Water. As they say the rest is now history and to Rotarys’ benefit.
Sue’s international charity work has spread far and wide from Papua New Guinea and then on to Uganda in EastAfrica. Schools were built and medical clinics set up over many years with the relevant training/education for the staff to ensure the facilities are now self-sufficient. Her family are also actively involved with their support.
The Pink Umbrella Foundation was established by Sue to help with the funding of this important work and Sue, with her family, has been active in doing this work for over 20 years. Sue did mention they have used the skills and services of Rob Wilkinson, and his Group Travel Management business in the past. Sue is an inspiration to us all.
Friday this week, 8 October 2021, Rob has arranged for our guest speaker to be Graeme Robinson who will advise and guide us through a talk about ethical behavior, and its relevance to living the Rotary ethos.
It appears we are lucky with the easing of lock-down restrictions that our delayed Annual Celebration dinner may finally happen and hopefully on 3rd December 2021 at Basil’s Seafood Restaurant. Garry has been in contact with the new owners, making the relevant arrangements for this, and the Christmas lunch for the Presbyterian Aged Care - North Ryde Community Aid aged community members. Thank you, Garry.
Pam advises the Christmas time, Tree of Joy, at North Ryde Coxs Road Mall can go ahead November and December this year. Pam will enquire to the charities we support, if they able to accept the donated gifts. Thanks for this Pam.
Bernie informed us all that we have a nominee wishing to attend RYLA in January 2022 at Elenora Heights. Eliza Byrne from Gladesville Bunnings has advised us she would like to attend. We will now follow up with this to confirm her attendance.
David has been in contact with the regional/remote schools to see if their students would be interested in the IT program our Club promotes. He has had positive feed-back from some of the schools and people contacted. This initiative was put on hold last year due to COVID, so let us all hope this can now resume! Thanks David.
More good news. The Christmas Carols joint venture with Macquarie Park Rotary Club, may also happen this year. There will be a meeting this Thursday afternoon (7 October at 4:00pm) of both Clubs, and representation from Ryde City Council. We will keep you informed of discussions and progress.
Please remind your family, friends and colleagues that orders for the
Christmas puddings can now be placed until the end of October for delivery in late November.
See here for more information.
I am very grateful for all the hard work and commitment by everyone in our Club during these difficult times, thank you.
Work in Papua New Guinea in 2007
Pink Umbrella Foundation - founded by Sue O'neill and working with her family through RAWCS (Rotary Australia World Community Service) in Uganda
Education is one of the major projects. The school was built with local labour - even the bricks were handmade.
Proud children with their certificates for schoolwork. 
This is an example of the devestation natural disasters can cause.
A Shelterbox tent can accommodate a family and provide immediate shelter.
And it is much appreciated.
