Fund raising is an area in which Canterbury has a mixed record. There have been some notable successes, but for various reasons there has been no major continuing fund raising event. The successful fund raising activities in the club’s first year have been described previously.
RSL-Rotary Fete
For many years the Camberwell RSL had run an annual fete at which a number of established charities ran stalls. With an ageing membership Camberwell RSL was finding the running of the fete a burden, and in 1989 it was agreed that Canterbury Rotary should take over this task. The previous format was maintained but with additional stalls manned by Canterbury members and partners, and an accompanying raffle. The event was a modest success, with a total of about $2400 being raised. A similar event was held the following year, and about $4000 raised. Both events were coordinated by John Williams, with the assistance of a large group of Rotarians and partners. These fetes were to some extent also community service activities, as the other charities participating were able to raise substantial funds. After 1990 the arrangement between Canterbury Rotary and Camberwell RSL was discontinued.
Albert Park Motor Fest
This event, one of Canterbury’s most successful fund raising activities, was held in February 1993 and conducted in collaboration with the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS) to celebrate the 40th birthday of CAMS and also to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the first motor race held on the Albert Park circuit. For Canterbury the event was coordinated mainly by Doug Hawley, Jill Keeffe and Peter Bolton. The program included an exhibition of classic and vintage cars organised by Shannons, and a series of sprints with vintage racing cars driven by some well known veteran drivers. Rotarians acted as crowd control marshals, and due to the area covered and the numbers attending many people were needed. In addition to families and friends, many members of other Rotary Clubs assisted. Some $36,000 was raised for the Rotary Bone Marrow Research Centre. The following February (1994) another similar program was organised and over $15,000 was raised. Further such activities became impractical with the coming of the Australian Grand Prix to Albert Park. More recently, in June 1998, Canterbury provided marshals for the Shannons Classic Car Display, resulting in a contribution of some $6000 for the club’s service funds.
Cup Eve Calcutta
As Canterbury meets on Monday nights, the Melbourne Cup Eve meeting is usually a festive affair. A Calcutta is often run on these occasions, and they are successful fund raising as well as enjoyable social events.
Fish Night
Another annual event combining fund raising and fellowship was the Fish Night established by the Club’s seafood enthusiasts, notably Doug Hawley and Trevor Donkin. On the morning of the event some dedicated Cantabrians rose early and went to the Footscray Wholesale Fish Market to collect the starting materials. Food preparation and serving was carried out by members, who nonetheless found time to enjoy the evening. This event had to be discontinued due to increasingly stringent food preparation rules.
Charity Auction
In August 1997 Canterbury joined with North Balwyn to hold a joint Charity Auction at the Camberwell Civic Centre, Canterbury’s role being organised by Trevor Donkin and Peter Bolton. Donations of goods and services for auction were obtained by members from local businesses. Canterbury’s share of the proceeds amounted to some $8000, of which $1000 was donated to the Royal Childrens’ Hospital Centre for Hormone Research.
Gala Auction Balls
Following a proposal by Ross Merolli, a decision was made for Canterbury to conduct its own Gala Auction Ball. A committee was set up headed by Ross to organize the event. The Gala Auction Ball was held at Leonda By The Yarra on Friday 10 May 2002. The event was a great success, raising some $35,000. A second Gala Auction Ball was held, again at Leonda, on Friday 7 May 2004. A very successful night raising approximately $37,000. Organising major events such as this requires a great deal of time and effort, and cannot be repeated very often.
Camberwell Sunday Market
The Sunday Market has been a remarkably successful venture established by the Rotary Club of Balwyn. Supplying enough volunteers to man all entrances to the market car park area became an increasing strain, and Balwyn invited several neighbouring clubs, including Canterbury, to supply volunteers, in exchange for an appropriate share of income from the market. Commencing in 1999 Canterbury has supplied an agreed number of members, currently three members each Sunday,ensuring a substantial, regular addition to its funds available for service projects.
Boroondara Art Market
One of the projects run by Boroondara Sunrise at the time of its amalgamation with Canterbury in 2005-2006, with the proceeds directed to the Belmore Special School. Paintings and other works of art provided by members, friends and the general public are displayed for sale, and the club charges a commission. In some cases the items are donated. The Art Markets in 2005 and 2006 were conducted as a combined effort in the amalgamated club, lead by Peter Lyall. In 2006 some $6500 was raised. However considerable difficulties were encountered in organizing the event, and it has been discontinued for the present.
FORaMEAL
This is the Club's most recent significant project and also a fund raising project. Fun emergency food packaging events are held with other Clubs, at the 2019 Multi-District Conference and hopefully in the near future with corporate organisations.
The Club has launched a separate FORaMEAL website (please click here) and a Meetup site (please click here) for anyone interested in volunteering at an event or assisting with the project.
Aussie Pride Badges
Another Boroondara Sunrise project, the badge depicts an Australian flag and a sprig of wattle and is attached to a card describing the flag and Australia’s floral emblem. An effective marketing and distribution system has been established. The badge has been redesigned, and it is hoped greater sales can be achieved.
