Lesley's letter:
 
December has been very busy for many members with our seasonal projects.
 
Sincere thanks to the team at Donations in Kind for their efforts in sourcing, collecting and facilitating the huge donation of Lego and toys.  Peter Cribb and I collected our allocation and with our cars full, delivered to our many community recipients in the last 2 weeks.
Recipients included the Venny, Flemington Hub children's programs, Wingate Avenue M&CHN, Ascot Vale Heights, Kensington CHS, West Welcome Wagon and Bendigo Bank toy appeal.
There was a great deal of joy, gratitude and awe at the quantity and range of toys.
 
Members again donated items for the Share the Dignity appeal and the bags were packed at the op Shop last week.  Mel, Alex, Muna, Chris and I ran the production line packing toiletries, sanitary items and gifts into the very good quality bags supplied by Donations in Kind. 
DiK also supplied us with a range of additional items including hand sanitizer, sunscreen, soap, socks, flasks and diaries. I then delivered the bags to Jenni at Danny Pearson's office who is our local contact.
 
We enjoyed a lovely Christmas lunch at Riverside Golf Club last week.  Mel thanked our shop volunteers for their efforts this year and we gave them a Rotary Christmas cake and a gift card.  We were joined by Len's friend Michael, Jan Chantry, a friend of Chris Richardson and by Abdihakim, Soraya and her daughter, friends of Abdi and Mohammed.  Mel also brought along regular volunteer Marty, Mark and Ross.
 
**I was sad to receive Mel's resignation as shop manager.  She needs to focus on her health in the next year. 
Currently we are looking for a new manager and members are asked to share this opportunity with someone who would be suitable.  A role description is available from Lesley.
 
In 2025, we have a renewed focus on including Rotarians in regular shop volunteer sessions.  This was the process when the shop first opened under Dulcie as manager and ensured an application of service as well as regular Rotary involvement.  Please consider your availability and let me know. 
I intend to make this a Wednesday commitment myself.
 
Thank you all for your service and contribution this year. 
I wish everyone a safe, happy, peaceful and joyous festive season. 
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
 
Lesley     
      
 
 
      
 
 
 
 
   
 
         
 
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PROJECT UPDATES:
School Scholarships:
Jeff attended Ascot Vale Heights award night last week and made a presentation to this year's recipient Ethan der Saini.  He is a most remarkable young man who this year has completed a Certificate II in Sport and Recreation.
Jeff will attend Ascot Vale West PS next week to present their award.
 
 
Books to the Maldives - We have received some photos and a report from the Australian High Commissioner to the Maldives.  He has delivered books to the Maldives National University and the Fuvahmalah Public Library.
       
 
 
Jarriban Hospital - the container will arrive this week.
Nepal Education and teacher training: Shradddha is currently in Nepal and will liaise with our partners.  
The Fundraising APP is in progress.  Peter and Shraddha are working with Darryll Chappell at Sputnik. This has been made possible by a grant from Bendigo Bank.
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Haruka's update:    
 Haruka is visiting Peter and Bev Cribb in Torquay this weekend of 14/15th.
**  She is also looking for new accommodation.
Can anyone assist?  Do you know of someone looking for a housemate or having a room to let within 5km of the university?
Please contact her or liaise with Lesley, Shraddha or Drew.
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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:
Wednesday 18 December - the Op Shop closes for the year.
Join us for a drink and to thank and farewell Mel at the shop, 3:30pm onwards.  RSVP to Lesley.
 
The first meeting for 2025 will be breakfast at Mama Bear, Wednesday 22nd January.
 
The Op Shop will re-open on Tuesday 4th February.
 
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LOOKING FOR WORK:
Anwar Alishek, honorary member, a good friend of many members is seeking work. 
Anwar has done home handyman and maintenance jobs for many of us and previously assisted Ted Frank on maintenance of his rental properties.  He lives in St Albans and has an ABN.   He is skilled at:
- carpentry
- painting
- general home repairs
- gardening
- home handyman type jobs
 
Contact Anwar on 0401 372 713
Peter Cribb, Allan Bruno, Lesley McCarthy and Anne Dynon can provide references.
 
Main fundraiser photoAt the last meeting, prospective member Adam Vaid spoke of a friend of his with a sad tale of their baby ill with cancer.  Adam has set up a GoFundMe page to assist.
If you are able to assist, please use the link.  Contact Shraddha for more information.
 
Shraddha has also advised him to get in touch with the Abbey Solo foundation for seeking some additional support options for the family; and for assistance to manage and update this GoFundme page, which will benefit from some further information. 
 
Thank you to our sponsors, supporters and corporate members.
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                
   
   
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