As has become our custom, the first meeting of the calendar year was held at the RIMERN (Rotary Inner Melbourne Emergency Relief Network) warehouse in Brunswick East on Wednesday, 22nd January 2025.
The RCM members and their guests were signed in as volunteers for the day. After a short briefing from CEO Susie Cole, the RCM volunteers were divided into small teams to assist in the many roles at the warehouse. This enabled those present to interact with the regular volunteers who assisted with supervision.
It was a hands-on experience, with some involved in cleaning refrigerators and washing machines being prepared for future clients. Another group helped unpack donated Koala mattresses and connect them to their toppers. The RIMERN truck arrived with donated goods, and our members assisted in the unloading of the truck. Others packed crockery and cookware items into boxes the kitchen area. And another group worked in the linen room sorting donated linen and bathroom items ready for packing. And goods were moved from the lift area to the appropriate shelving area. It provided an excellent understanding of the important role volunteers play in helping this project to succeed.
A light lunch was provided (thanks Jo) and more time was spent with Susie Cole hearing about the RIMERN model and the growth which has occurred since its commencement in 2021. There are now 22 Rotary Clubs involved with RIMERN, including Melbourne Rotary. RIMERN now engages with 55 NGO housing/welfare agencies. These agencies bring their clients (by appointment) to RIMERN to select household furniture and other household goods. Susie talked passionately about the impact of the visit to RIMERN on the well-being of these clients, many who are moving from homelessness into a home for the first time in many years.
RIMERN could not operate without volunteers. Susie emphasised the importance of growing the volunteer base and discussed the opportunities that exist.
Volunteering opportunities:
Saturday – the warehouse is open from 10am – 1.30pm to receive goods. This time has been selected to provide an opportunity for full-time workers who cannot volunteer during the week. It is hoped younger Rotary members will consider this opportunity as the goods that arrive have to be moved from the truck to their temporary home in the warehouse.
Tuesday to Thursday – warehouse is open from 10am – 3.00pm. There are many volunteering opportunities available. With a few exceptions, most volunteers offer their time for one day per week. The goal of RIMERN is to provide the clients with a quality experience, understanding that most of the goods are pre-loved. Therefore, the work preparing the goods for clients is very important. Whilst most volunteers are present for the full 5 hours on their volunteering day, there are also volunteers who work either in the morning or the afternoon.
Donating Goods
The RIMERN website is www.rimern.org.au. On the Donated Goods page, the items suitable for RIMERN clients are listed. Most clients are moving into flats or small apartments. Therefore, large furniture such as big dining tables are not suitable. Information on collections is also found on the website.
Cash donations are also welcome. We use cash donations to purchase some of the smaller household electrical items in bulk.
Representing Rotary Melbourne at RIMERN
Member clubs are entitled to have two members on the RIMERN Committee. At present, RCM has only one representative, John Peberdy. If you are interested in representing RCM, please speak to either President Catherine or John Peberdy. The Committee meets monthly via zoom for one hour on Sunday afternoon at 5pm.
John Peberdy
24/01/2025
