There was lots of chatter at CNC this week as members of this year’s PMM team began returning, though a few are still on post mission trips, and some unfortunate souls have come down with infections. We look forward to seeing them all later in November when the students come to our meeting to present their report on the 2025 Eye Hear mission.
There were many boxes of foods donated for the SHNC Pantry this week, the second of the planned Pantry Collections. Many thanks to all who brought goods to donate. Information from all my contacts in community service organisations indicates that food insecurity is increasing so any food staples we provide will be needed. Thank you again Jules for organising the boxes and Wayne for delivering the donations to the Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre.
They say Melbourne is a small town (so you always need to be careful what you say about others), and it’s true because last week’s speaker, Jane Stewart, was organised because, at a Boroondara Council Network meeting she recognised Co-President Jill as her obstetrician from many years ago!
Some of you present may remember that about four years ago Jane spoke about the relatively new community enterprise she and her family had begun, and how they were cooking many meals for the needy in their home kitchen. It was wonderful to hear how successful their venture has been and the new programs on offer for, volunteers and corporates, at It’s the Little Things Community. Read more about this and see photos later in this edition of The Canterbury Buzz.
Next week we host the District Governor, Peter Shepheard, at our meeting along with our Community Group Leader, Michael Stillwell. The DG is keen to talk to as many members as possible during his visit so don’t be shy, talk to him about your ideas.
Also next week we are inducting Fiona Anderson as a club member so be sure to come along to give her, and the DG, your support. Partners are most welcome (let Alan know).
Please consider nominating for a Board position, nomination forms have been emailed to members. Also, look out for the document about the Teams which are being formed to support Board Members in the areas of service.
Finally, George is keen to hear from anyone who can paint or engrave the words, ‘May Peace Reign on Earth’ on the Peace Pole which he is building at his Men’s Shed. Another example of how we can work together (Unite) for Good.
Jane Stewart came to speak last Monday at the Rotary Club of Canterbury for a second time. Since that time, she has expanded her reach, together with her husband Grant, to further give back to the community. "It's the Little Things Community", now has over ninety volunteers working two days a week, distributing over one thousand eight hundred meals, and so far over one hundred thousand meals in total have been notched up.
Jane used to work in lifestyle programs for people living in aged care. She used to undertake bucket lists in the Kew Gardens. That was ten years ago. The types of food she distributes are culturally diverse. She began an expansion by leasing a kitchen in a church hall. She and her team include special ingredients and lots of baked goods as treats. Everything is boxed and frozen.
Jane provided specific examples of the type of work she has undertaken. ADRA, an organization dealing with victims of domestic violence in Wantirna, epitimises the acts of kindness. For example, she purchased twelve pairs of runners for members of a family. Another is the selection of toys for Christmas, for two dollars.
For those children, and their families in Ronald McDonald House, meals were provided for visiting family members. Special food treats such as frozen toasties and snack packs for siblings of patients, are available on call. Other "little" touches include personalised messages on food items.
A recent initiative for "It's the Little Things" is "Little Bags of Kindness", with ten items up to the value of one hundred and fifty dollars. It is all based on what people want. These are the foods that the budget simply will not reach.
Her work in schools involves students, such as MLC boarders who make birthday cakes, which are then stored in large freezers, ready to be delivered as required. Students are shown photos of the people who are the recipients of this bounty.
Jane oozes enthusiasm and passion in the way she cooks, stores and then distributes food to people who are truly in need.
PS
A very saintly photo of Jane was also taken accidently last Monday night - I hope Jane sees the humour in the image below.
Peter grew up in a family that volunteered in various ways and with different groups, which led him to volunteer from an early age. In late 2002, his involvement with the local Basketball Association introduced him to the Rotary Club of Altona, where he pitched for, received, and reported on funding for the establishment of two senior Rep teams.
The President of Altona at the time, Lois Buckingham, invited Peter to join the club. With his background and familiarity with the members, he accepted the offer. In May 2003, Peter was formally inducted and has remained a member of Altona, having served as President four times and held nearly every other role.
Peter also took on the position of Assistant Governor four times and has served on various District Committees. He is notably recognized as the stage manager, known as the "man in black," for successive District Conferences.
With experience in administration, project management, and customer service, Peter now combines these skills as part of the management team at the historic Queen Victoria Market, where he has been since 2013.
The theme fro Peter's presentation will be Uniting for Good, the power of collaboration
The Canterbury Rotary Club lunch usually meets bi-weekly at 12.30 for a meal and some fun. Above are members of the group enjoying their meals last Wednesday at Green Acres Golf Club.
David Zrna is on holidays. Alan Stevens will be looking after the reservations for the lunch group. Please contact Alan at alan.stevens@canterburyrotary.org or on 0416120851 to advise that you will be coming to a lunch.
Friday 7 November 2025 - St. Leonard’s College 163 South Road Brighton East
Street parking is apparently at a premium and has a 2 hour limit, car-pooling suggested
Last year we were able to find some spaces in the carpark.
Entrance off South Road for Reception – need to register & lanyard will be issued. Alex Treloar is the supervising teacher.
Truck access via Ratho Avenue off Hampton Street. Access to forecourt area via the green gates.
Set Up 11am - Students & RC Brighton members to assist.
Packing 1pm to 3 pm then pack up.
Thursdays - 20 & 27 November 2025 & 4 December 2025
Carey Baptist Grammar School Boat House on Boathouse Drive Melbourne.
Best to go to Flinders Street Station by train, bus or tram, cross over the bridge, turn left and walk along river pathway till you reach the Boathouse.
The FAM truck will be parked near the entrance to building. Stair and lift access for supplies. Students and teachers will be assisting.
Set up 8.45am for all events.
First session 10 am to 11.30am then lunch break and recommence 1pm till 2.30pm
FORaMEAL events happen as a result of a lot of planning and preparation.
Below are members of the FORaMEAL team giving the equipment a thorough clean for the next event.
For the new sets of cleaning & laundry needs RIMERN has started a fundraiser.
$50 buys a full kit (mop & bucket, broom plus dustpan & brush, laundry basket, clothes hamper & kitchen tidy bin) and every donation over $2 is fully tax deductible.
Every RIMERN client needs a mop & bucket, broom & dustpan, swing top tidy & laundry basket plus clothes airing rack, but none of these are available second hand so RIMERN has to buy them.
A full kit costs $50 and RIMERN needs 10 a week. Can you sponsor one or more? It's Spring, time to help the RIMERN clients with their cleaning! Thank you in advance!
Spring is here and it is the time of year to think about getting outside with your family, friends and club members to participate in our Rotary Walk With Us fundraiser which starts on 1 October.
Please register yourself and your team to participate and fundraise for Rotary’s number one global project being the eradication of polio from the world. Dream up a catchy team name, garner support and start walking, running, cycling or any other movement that you wish.
What a wonderful way to get fit, collaborate and support this wonderful cause.
The work of Rotary begins in the community, and every community has its own unique needs and concerns. While we serve in countless ways, for the month of October our theme is economic and community development.
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