 | DIK Xmas Lunch for the Volunteers.Rotarians and Volunteers enjoyed a hearty Xmas Lunch ad DIK on Tuesday. PDG Bronwyn Stephens had organised a sumptuous meal, and refreshments appropriate for a hot December day, with table decorations for a happy year-end to our efforts. David Dippie had made a slide presentation of the history of DIK, from its origins in the Rotary Club of West Footscray to the success of DIK Inc today. (David is unfortunately currently in hospital)
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She described how Bob Glindemann took over as Chairman and Laurie Fisher as Store Manager from Bill in 2010. DIK originally had some rent-free space in the Woodsheds in West Footscray: a forklift, wrapping machine and a truck were acquired. But ownership of the property, OHS requirements and expansion of DIK saw a need for changes, such as a lease of the building. David was critical of District 9800’s failure to support DIK, which was in danger of collapse, as an entity was required to sign the lease.
Fortunately, Bob Glindemann had the insight to form DIK Inc., which then went from strength to strength.
Since then, 340 containers with goods to the value of $30 million have been shipped. Thousands of people have had better lives because the store continued to operate: DIK is the largest “hands-on” Rotary Environmental Project in Australia, with the capacity to ship a container every week.
The operation will continue to change, but we would not have this opportunity without Laurie and Bob.
DG Ron Payne was generous in his praise of the work of the volunteers who help Rotary at the DIK Store, before presenting retiring Bob Glindemann and Laurie Fisher with Rotary Certificates of Appreciation.
Frank Dri, who has been looking after the clothing and has shipped containers to Samoa, is learning what Laurie’s role involves, and is the new Store Manager.
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