Sensitive Santa, what a great initiative for children on the autism spectrum! The videos last week demonstrated the value of our ongoing support for this project. Helen Lightbody’s presentation made me think of all the other daily activities and events in our community which may trigger sensory overload for children with autism and which effectively become inaccessible for their families. I am sure our 2017 Festival team will work closely with Helen to incorporate some initiatives which will make the festival even more accommodating for all families.
Our Christmas Party Teddy Bears collection is another avenue to support children in families in our community who are suffering from financial, physical or social issues. Our teddies find loving homes through Odyssey House, Salvation Army, Berry Street and St Vincent de Paul and put a Christmas smile on the faces of children who would otherwise go without. They are a fundamental expression of love and support from Rotary – and isn’t that what we’re about?
Continuing our theme of opportunities for children, we know all kids would like to be able to fly. Come this Thursday to hear how Michael Loccisano, Michel Verheem and the other volunteer pilots behind Fun Flight provide children touched by adversity, with joy and inspiration through the exhilaration of flight. Michael is also Director of Hallmarc, the major sponsor of our club, so please come to also show our appreciation for Michael’s generosity.
Our speaker this week is Michael Locissano who, through his property development company Hallmarc Ltd, is the generous and community spirited benefactor who has provided funds under a 3 year commitment to allow us to meet the occupancy costs associated with the Club's storage facility at Brisbane St, Eltham. Michael's generosity will allow the Club to invest funds into community benefiting projects rather than it being spent on Shed rent and other occupancy costs.
As well as providing us with an opportunity to express our gratitude as a group to Michael for his invaluable support, we will also hear how he combines his passion for flying with his volunteer work as an Angel Flight pilot in providing air transport for remotely located people requiring medical attention.
Michael won’t be flying solo on Thursday as he will be accompanied by friend Michel Verheem, the founder of FunFlight a volunteer run organisation established to provide children touched by adversity with joy and inspiration through the exhilaration of flight.
For those that haven't already done so, its your last chance to support me and my Movember challenge. Support a MO-BRO and change the face of men's health!
I would like to thank those who have already got on board for 2016, and an extra special thanks to those that year in, year out support my Movember endeavours!
Kevin Hadingham: Next week Michael Loccisano will speak about his work as a volunteer pilot for medical emergency program ‘Angel Flight’ as well as ‘Fun Flight’ for children in remote areas. John Skinner’s first grand-child arrived on Tuesday and another is on the way. Please bring a Teddy Bear to the Xmas party – these will go to children in need. Our thanks to the Youth Services Team for the many great programs they work to support.
Jill Ramsay: Thanks to those who’ve already completed surveys. Need others in time for Festival debrief on Monday 28 Nov. Exchange student from Montmorency S/C leaving for Japan for 9 weeks – feeling both excited and daunted.
Alan McCleary: Visited St Vincent’s - Catholic Care waiting for key tenant so that first three families can move in. 60 x packs toiletries via Pinchapoo have been organised as have furnishings and household items for units. More volunteers needed for Eltham North PS BBQ on 7 Dec.
Mike Englefield: Program coming up includes Michael Loccisano next week – we'll thank him formally for his enormously generous donation of $60,000 over three years for outgoings of the Shed. On 8 Dec an update on Interplast – a Rotary initiative which has medicos working and training overseas. End of year Christmas function with a gypsy theme on 15 Dec at Eltham Bowling Club. $20 per head and BYO picnic basket. May get local deli to prepare baskets of food for those who’d prefer this. Drinks purchased from bar.
Brett Linsell: Two members of RC Eltham attended RYLA dinner on Tuesday. A week to go for Movember – thanks to sponsors. Brett’s mentor Andrew took his own life six years ago – a sombre reminder of the need to support this very worthy cause.
Graham Miles: Reports that growing a moustache is ‘hell’ and he has lost all authority with his children! Please support Brett with sponsorship.
Les Coath: Irene has organised a $250 hamper to support Foundation. Will be drawn at Christmas break-up. $5 a ticket or three for $10.
Speakers: Helen, Kylie and Sheridan presented the Sensitive Santa project by Banyule City Council and Mill Park Library staff. RC Eltham’s Community Service committee has actively supported this wonderful initiative in past years (introduced by Kaye Smith's daughter Amber), and a further donation was made this week. Sensitive Santa allows families with a child/children on the autism spectrum to spend time with, and have a photo with, Santa without the overwhelming noise and crowds. Families can book ahead which means no queues, and have their child photographed with Santa – almost always for the first time - in a calm and non-threatening environment. We watched a number of short video clips including an innovative digital social story which can be used by families to prepare their child for the experience of meeting Santa. A reminder to us all of how much we can take for granted in our day to day lives.
