Dorothy Gilmour presented a report on the activities of the Community Service Committee. 

We were impressed by the expansion of the program for care bags to inpatients of hospital’s mental health units.

·      Project “small comforts from community” providing care bags ( & some clothing) to inpatients of hospital’s mental health units is expanding from The Alfred and Box Hill’s Upton House to also include St Vincents & Royal Melbourne.

·      Received a Centenary Grant from Rotary Club of Balwyn. Rotary Club of Glenferrie is joining the consortium of Clubs which run this project.

·      Katrina has taken over the role of Project lead from PDG Bronwyn Stephens. Another packing session is being planned.

·      Camcare reminder for members to bring in nonperishable groceries for donation to Camcare in July now.

·      Support for Salvo Hawks that compete in the mid-week Recklink competition.  Speak to David Macnamara. Much enjoyment is had in the various roles including scoreboard, pizzas, goal umpire etc).

·      The upgrade of the sensory garden at Box hill’s adolescent mental health unit has been completed with a new outdoor table, shade system, replanting and cleaning of pavers.  We continue to stay connected with them.

·      We are continuing to supply Upton House with reading glasses, magazines for scrap booking, books and puzzles and sensory items.

Rotary SAFE Families:

·      Much increased viewing of films on FB eg. 480 plus viewing of Male Abuse film;

·      Invited to present at Yea, Wangaratta, Myrtleford, Pascoe Vale, Eltham and in July August.

·      Guest Speaker at Rochester Rotary’s 60th Anniversary in July?

·      Increased viewing of our website.

·      Invited by Rotary Club of Holbrook (NSW), and surrounding areas and Holbrook Police to present workshops to Rotary Holbrook, Meals on Wheels Community (re Elder Abuse), Holbrook Netball and Football Teams (youth and family abuse), and a Combined local community Group in September over 2 days.

I am seeking some Rotary Hawthorn members who would like to make a difference in family violence and  join us at RSF to help in this important and time consuming program. It would be greatly appreciated.

Inclusive Communities Initiative:

·      Ron Moss (Caroline Springs), Lookman Lawal (Rotary Richmond) have joined our Team.

·      I am providing a Workshop Event at the East African Women’s Foundation for than 80 women from African countries in August.

·      With the help of Robiel Abraham (co-founder and chair African Youth Initiative, Projects Manager for Headspace), I am creating a workshop for young African youth. Trying to get young Africans to remain at school, play sport and keep off the streets.

·      Translations of our Guide now include Somalian and I am working on Dinka.