Fareshare. This organization salvages unused food destined for landfill and converts it into meals for those in need. This need has increased since COVID -19 lockdown leading Fareshare to produce well over 1 million meals, which are distributed via Foobank.

Police Awards. An annual award to acknowledge acts of courtesy, kindness, understanding, compassion, courage or devotion to duty by any member of the police force. This has had to be cancelled due to the pandemic in 2020 but it is hoped this will return next year.

Bunnings BBQ. The ubiquitous Rotary sausage sizzle is a staple at Bunnings and a source of significant fund raising for us. However, with the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown in many places,it has had to be cancelled this year. However, over the 8 months prior to lockdown, a sizable amount was raised at these BBQ’s.

Avalon. a small charity which ministers to the needs of the homeless and is run by volunteers, also was supported by donation of men’s warm clothing and personal hygiene kits from Preston Rotary and Pinchapoo to assist homeless men.

Edith Bendall Lodge.

Pascoe Vale Rotary has been involved in the development of the Edith Bendall retirement living hostel since the early 1980’s, when, in collaboration with Strathmore Lions Club, we developed a co-operative plan to develop a comprehensive aged care complex. This initiative resulted in the building and occupation of a 39-room hostel in late 1991. Further developments have followed over the years, including the hostel Board acquiring adjoining land where in collaboration with Skill Share, training courses are helping people re-enter the workforce with basic knowledge of gardening and landscaping. This project, now in its third year, has been very successful. Plans have been drawn up to modify and expand the existing residence to provide a Day Care Centre for elderly citizens in the area, two more hostel respite beds and improved staff and storage facilities.

Hearing Tests.

Good hearing is essential for every child, particularly before they begin their formal school education. Many governmental units provide hearing screening for primary school children, but sometimes this can be too late. Pascoe Vale Rotary facilitates hearing tests for preschool children aged from three and a half to five years of age attending local kindergartens. Tests are conducted by post graduate Melbourne University Audiology students and are supervised by qualified Audiologists. Any child who appears to have a hearing deficit detected in screening is referred to either their local medical centre or the Eye and Ear clinic for further follow up. This has been a very successful program in which we hope to continue our involvement.