The Rotary Club of Southern Mitchell is this Saturday October 29 hosting its International Dinner, a charity auction event in Kilmore supporting the club’s international projects.
International Director, David D’Silva said the event would raise funds for is Lift Up Every Malagasi Rotary, LEMUR.
The project supports 1500 primary school aged children and their teachers at St. Vincent’s Primary School in Ambovombe, Androy, Madagascar.
“The situation in southern Madagascar is dire after several failed rainy seasons which has led to crop failure, mass poverty and starvation,” Mr D’Silva said.
“We are working with a Malagasi Rotary Club who will make sure aid goes where it should. In this case, it is a school in Southern Madagascar who have been very specific about their current needs.
“These include the need for computers and treadle sewing machines [with] electricity supply [being] unpredictable, to teach sewing skills in school which will provide employment opportunities.
“Food supplies are also included for immediate relief, though the major emphasis is on providing the means for students of the school to learn skills which will enable them to earn a living.”
The International Dinner also supports other Rotary International projects such as Rotary Youth Exchange.
Mr D’Silva said the group was currently sponsoring a 17-year-old Italian girl attending Assumption College, who is living in the Kilmore area from August 2022 to February 2023.
Additionally, the club is supporting Rotary Overseas Recycled Playgrounds – a program where Australian playgrounds being updated are dismantled and relocated to countries with emerging economies.
Mr D’Silva said more than 90 per cent of Rotary funds went directly to the causes they were donated to primarily because the group was largely volunteer driven.
“I’m proud to report that Rotary has for several years topped the International Charity Navigator site as one of very few charities with administrative costs under 10 per cent,” he said.
CEO of Children First Foundation, CFF, Jessica Redwood is set to speak at the event.
“CFF arranges surgery for young people throughout the Asia-Pacific region and beyond who have disfiguring and/or life-threatening conditions,” Mr D’Silva said.
“Our club is proud to have been one of a number of Rotary Clubs who helped build the CFF retreat at Kilmore East.”
Mr D’Silva said the Rotary club is expecting between 80 and 100 people to attend the event this weekend, with some seats still available.
Bookings can be made via https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/954416
“Anyone can book for the dinner and we would love to meet local residents who are interested in finding out more about what their local Rotary Club does,” Mr D’Silva said.
“It is always a great social evening with a fantastic catered three course meal. There is no age limit but the late finishing time may not be suitable for young children. And, of course, there is a raffle as well as a Silent Auction full of amazing must-have items.”
