"Rotarians,
You know when I appear on the podium it is an ask and today is a particularly important ask.
In the past I have accused many members of being recalcitrants and today we can add somnambulists which certainly includes me. What are these derogatory descriptions and how do they perhaps apply to us? Both effectively mean doing zilch or the absolute minimum so now is the time to listen up.
A number of truly dedicated people have kept our wonderful Rotary Club of Melbourne thriving and vibrant through this whole pandemic disaster and able to continue its many functions. Now these colleagues have come up with yet another brilliant innovation which absolutely demands all our support.
For many years we have worked with the Smith Family Learning for Life program assisting deprived and deserving young people find a way forward. The funding for this has largely come from the Clubs active participation in the annual Bicycle Australia sponsored event “Around the Bay”!
Guess what ? No event possible this year BUT the needs of the Smith Family have substantially escalated.
As we all sit around and whinge about the restrictions and lock-downs, we are doing it in the security and comfort of our own homes. How would you handle living in sub- standard rental accommodation, perhaps short of food and possibly in the midst of family violence and unemployment around you.
This is what Smith Family are coping with on an increasing daily basis and where our urgently needed support as Rotarians can certainly help.
Now stir yourselves and become an active participant in the magic world of a Silent Auction where you have the chance of bidding on some wonderful prizes donated by many of our active worker bees.
These kids need our help and you certainly haven’t had much to spend on recently, so set yourself a budget that you are absolutely going to donate to either the Silent Auction or the Bicycle Raffle. If I may suggest a number with at least one and hopefully two noughts after it, that would be fantastic.
So remember why you are a Rotarian and an active member of our great Club, join me in shedding your slothfulness, rescinding your recalcitrance, remove the digit and getting involved in this great Silent Auction spectacular.
No ifs, no buts, just please do it !!
Please !"
