One of the age-old questions asked of a Rotary member is "What do you actually do?" As you will read in this update, it's anything but idle. Men and women of all ages come together to volunteer their time to help others. These individuals may be residents of our local community who are doing it tough or people through our international connections. It might be a village, such as the two in Cambodia where we are contributing to building toilet facilities.

Four lucky MacRob girls attended the RYPEN (Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment) camp, compliments of Rotary Port Phillip working together. RYPEN is a Rotary-sponsored youth service program for 15- to 17-year-old students from schools across District 9800. Students attend a weekend camp designed to develop their potential through a mixture of lecture-style sessions and adventure-based learning. It aims to communicate a series of ideas, problems, and social experiences that will assist them in forming their own values and moral standards.

We conducted a stationery drive, again through MacRob, to gather paper, pens, etc. bound for Timor Leste. We formed a relationship with the Men's Shed Port Melbourne and were in a position to help them financially to get a beehive project off the ground. Similarly, we are working with Backpacks4kids to help people who have suffered domestic violence get urgently needed comfort packs to kids via emergency services.

Once a month, our volunteers show up at Bunnings Port Melbourne to cook sausages and provide cold drinks. Funds raised are distributed to needy causes. Our biggest event was the Celtic Festival held on St. Patrick's Day at the Seafarers Club, and funds raised will be distributed to Men's Health.

Yet, we can't function locally without members. So come along to one of our club meetings held at The Emerald Hotel, Clarendon Street, South Melbourne, at 6 pm on the first and third Monday of each month and assess whether it's a good fit for you.

Warwick Lloyd

President, Rotary Port Phillip

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