We joined a growing number of Rotary Clubs around Melbourne to drive an exciting, ‘hands-on’ service project that, like EERN (Eastern Emergency Relief Network) in Mitcham and WERN (Western Emergency Relief Network) in Ravenshall, is collecting donated furniture, appliances and household goods, to distribute to people in need from all over inner Melbourne.

The people we will be supporting will select the items that they need to set up their secure housing following long-term homelessness, escaping domestic violence, coming out of jail and other situations of dire need.

On 15th June, RIMERN moved into a two-level, 700m2 warehouse at 32-34 Lincoln Street, East Brunswick and has begun stocking up with donated goods and establishing an online registration and ordering system.

The next steps that we can help with are:

• Building a volunteer force to help with a range of tasks, from sourcing donated goods, liaising with welfare agencies, helping with administration, sorting donations and repacking them into household kits, warehouse management, accompanying clients for goods selection, goods collection (involving driving a furniture truck & helping to load/unload), fundraising & Grant writing, volunteer recruitment/orientation & rostering, and awareness building. Some roles can be done from home, others at the warehouse.  
• Spreading the word by joining the RIMERN Facebook group and encouraging others to do so too, to see all the exciting milestones & achievements and engaging a wider audience in the project’s achievements.

We became involved in RIMERN because it will be a great way to support our local Melbourne community, involve our members in a fun and effective hands-on service, and as a means to engage volunteers who may become new Rotarians.

If you would like to learn more about RIMERN and potential service opportunities, please contact either Catherine Baxter or Richard Parker.

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