Probus Clubs
The first steps towards forming a Probus club for retired professional and business people were taken during the 1987-88 Rotary year. It soon became obvious that there was a very great demand for the sort of activities provided by Probus clubs. Subsequent investigation indicated that separate Ladies and Mens clubs would be preferred, and by 1989-90 Canterbury Ladies and Mens Probus Clubs had been formed, due largely to the sustained efforts of John Eddison and Geoff Brooks. In the following years another 4 clubs were sponsored by Canterbury Rotary: Surrey Hills Ladies, Surrey Hills Mens, Chatham Combined and Maling Combined. After their formation the Probus clubs are largely autonomous, but contact has been maintained by Rotarians attending their meetings and by occasional combined meetings or social functions.
Red Shield Appeal
Every year a large number of Canterbury Rotarians, family and friends assist the Salvation Army with their Red Shield Appeal door-knock. The Canterbury Club managed one area, generally in Balwyn or North Balwyn.
Men’s Health Nights
In recent years there has been a growing recognition of the need to increase men’s awareness of personal health issues. The City of Boroondara, the Rotary Clubs of Camberwell, Balwyn and Canterbury, the Inner Eastern Melbourne Division of General Practice, Boroondara Community Health Care, and St Vincent’s Mental Health Service organised free evening meetings at which health professionals address a range of important health concerns, such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and stress. The meetings, held at the Hawthorn Town Hall or the Camberwell Civic Centre, began in 1998. Canterbury members assisted with organisation and staffing, coordinated initially by Brian Henshaw.
Rotary Bowel Scan
This was carried out as a pilot for District 9800. Kits for sample collection and testing for bowel cancer were distributed to local chemists for sale, in an effort organised by David Robinson. The testing was performed by a pathologist on a voluntary basis. The project was only a limited success.
Tree Planting
The primary purpose of the tree planting programs is to reduce soil salinity by restoring some of the original tree population in cleared areas. In the first project Canterbury Rotarians, led by Peter Evans, worked with staff and students of Canterbury Primary School, and in association with Lower Tarwin Primary School, in planting seedlings.
In later years Canterbury Rotarians in association with the Rotary Club of Northcote carried out tree planting at Pyalong, and in association with the Rotary Club of Manningham in the Glenaroua/Broadford area.
Paint Your Heart Out
Members painted the houses of elderly residents and charitable institutions in the area. Assistance was also provided in clearing up gardens, etc.
Community Garden
A recently commenced project which aims to establish a community garden adjacent to the Markham Estate in Ashburton. This estate is home to many needy families. In the first phase 21 advanced fruit trees, including citrus, plums, apricots, loquats, guava and olives, were planted by Club members.
Livingwell Counselling Service
Another recently begun project to establish a counseling service for disabled people in collaboration with the Canterbury Neighbourhood Centre. A Committee of Mamagement has been appointed on which Russell Hoath and David Chudasko will represent the Club.
Belmore School
The Belmore School had been supported by RC Boroondara Sunrise for some time, and this was continued after amalgamation with Canterbury. In 2006/7 the school received $6200 raised from the Art Market.
Blood Bank Donation
In 1996/97 Community Service Director David Proud began arranging evening blood donations for groups of members and families, and many subsequently enrolled as donors on an on-going basis.
Variety Club Christmas Party
Every year the Variety Club organises a Christmas party for disadvantaged children at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. Large numbers of volunteers are needed and Canterbury members join with Rotarians from many other clubs in the district to help.
Boroondara Family Network
A Rotary community project initiated by the Rotary Club of Glenferrie and supported by other Boroondara Rotary Clubs (including Canterbury) and the City of Boroondara. It aims to supply support services to families with young children, particularly new babies. The service is provided by trained volunteers who visit families on a weekly basis.
Boroondara Cares
The continuing drought and its serious impact on rural communities, led to the proposal that the Boroondara area should seek ways to provide assistance to a rural community. In late 2007 the City of Boroondara and its nine Rotary clubs, coordinated by the Rotary Club of Camberwell, set up an association with the Moira Shire and its four Rotary clubs in a program called Boroondara Cares. In January 2008 Canterbury financed a visit to Melbourne by a selected group of children from Moira, hosted by Bill and Shirley Granger, which involved a visit to the Melbourne Zoo, the Belmore Road swimming pool , and lunch at McDonalds. The Club is also provided food assistance to Moira families through Foodbank.
Other Community Service Activities
Substantial financial support for the Rotary Bone Marrow Research Centre, Australian Rotary Health Research Fund, Camcare, Rocan (Ovarian Cancer), Elgin Street Carers Program, Streetsmart, BASS Canterbury Centre and St Johns Homes.
