The nature of donating goods in-kind is changing as the medical and educational industries in developed economies look to cost-saving, sophisticated processes to sustainably reuse dated but still useful equipment, and avoid sending it to landfill. The
programs of repurposing health and education equipment are a pathway to providing this equipment to disadvantaged communities that face difficulties obtaining the affordable goods they need.
Projects providing in-kind donations and the repurposing of equipment to areas of need include activities such as Donations in Kind (DIK), Health & Education Equipment Repurposing Activity (HEERA), and MediShare.
The purpose of these activities is to access redundant ‘end of life’ health and educational equipment and to sort, package and transport these items to communities locally, nationally and internationally.
This aid must be sustainable, enhance people’s lives, and give Rotarians and others satisfaction for their efforts.
Donations In Kind turns landfill into lifesaving aid, dramatically and measurably improving social and environmental outcomes.
This resource and support service provides extensive services for Rotarians and other organisations, enabling them to undertake international and local projects efficiently and effectively within a regulative framework.
Check out the full story in the December/January edition of Rotary Down Under. In mailboxes and inboxes now!
India beat wild polio 10 years ago today! This amazing achievement is a reminder that when we work together, the world can make great strides against global health threats. It is time to #endpolio everywhere.
Although it is only recent but Nigeria has also beaten wild polio.
Only 2 countries left now and they are Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Retiring from nursing, she wanted to help others and was also passionate about the environment. Mary was aware that the majority of people in need of wheelchairs in South Africa were unable to afford to buy their own.
She came up with the idea of recycling plastic to raise funds to buy wheelchairs and found a plastic moulding company, Zibo Containers, prepared to take bread tags. In South Africa (but unfortunately not in Australia), Bread Tags for Wheelchairs recycle bottle tops as well as bread tags, and have just funded their 800th wheelchair!
In Australia
After a while, Australians got wind of the program. People with South African connections started taking tags with them when they visited and some people posted bread tags. Jodie Falco at 1079 Life radio station in Adelaide promoted Bread Tags for Wheelchairs on air and the tags started flowing in.
By late 2018 there was sufficient interest across Australia to set up a national collection network. Jenny Cooper, a South African who had migrated to Australia in the 1990’s, took up the challenge, setting up a Facebook page, contacting those who had expressed interest, and creating a map of collection points and some promotional materials.
The response was amazing, with the network very soon growing rapidly. In February 2019 we engaged with a local recycler, Transmutation, in Robe, SA. By early 2020, there were 350 collection points in every state and territory and 100kg+ of bread tags being recycled every month. Recycling of 250kg of bread tags funds an entry level wheelchair, although some cost more, depending on the client’s needs.
The network of volunteers continues to grow – we have collectors, collection point hosts, state coordinators, colour sorters and people who help with transport. We are supported by schools, child care centres, small businesses, local councils, churches, community centres, hospitals and aged care facilities. What a wonderful community this has become!
School Holiday Fun
Started today with 14 participants. Children from many backgrounds Sri Lankan, Congolese, Chinese, Pakistani, Aussies. Todays art class. See flyer for dates six in all holiday sessions at the Australian Migrant Resource Centre in Second Street Murray Bridge. Ring or email to join in.
Important dates for the Upcoming Months
Tuesday the 22nd of December will be the pre-Christmas breakfast at the home of John & Bev Scarvelis, 64a Mitchell Ave,Murray Bridge beginning at 7am.
No meeting December 29th.
No meeting January 5th.
Rotary meetings resume at the Golf Club on January 12th
January 19th, Committee meetings at the Golf Club
January 26th Australia Day, no meeting
January 27th Board meeting by Zoom
CALENDAR WINNERS 5TH JANUARY 20201
1st $ 100 No. 889 Kerry Perkins (Mollymook) (sold by G. Frazer) - ch. no. 3886
2nd $30 No. 464 Brenten Amor (Aldinga Beach) (sold by L. Sickerdick)
3rd $ 20 No 864 Barry Grace (M.B.) (sold by Rotary Club of M.B.)
David Price will have a table set up each Tuesday meeting for to receive money & slips from members. If you can put a notice in the Bulletin in this regard, advising that payment can be cash, cheque or EFTPOS, that would be most appreciated.
What's happening on our Facebook page
John Scarvelis has been posting up a storm with some great content.
