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The travellers are back from the medical mission, this time from Masbate, an island in the central Philippines. The majority of the population are fisherman or work in the fields and there is a high poverty rate. We were based in Masbate City and each day bussed to various communities where we worked with the Eye Hear Foundation, along with other medical volunteers. Overall, we screened over 4000 people, and the ophthalmologist performed 580 operations. This was the highest number of any of the missions. The hospitality of the Rotary Club of Masbate was overwhelming, and our sisterhood with this club was renewed.
The orthoptic students benefited greatly from the experience, not only from the pathology seen but also from their introduction to a Third World community. They have also been introduced to Rotary. Please keep in mind that they will be presenting at our meeting on 30th November and it should be a fascinating meeting, so please come.
There is a lot happening in the immediate future:
Next week we will induct two new members – Pat Little and Ian Berg. Welcome to the club!
On 14 November, we will be running a Bunnings barbecue at Middleborough Road South Box Hill. Steve Clarke is the barbecue captain. Help will be required so please contact Steve if you are available.
Two days later, we will be conducting the food packing of Christmas treats. There is a lot of preparation to go in before this night but we will need members to attend and help pack. This will obviously take the place of a speech.
Our Christmas function has been organised to be held at the Eastern Bell restaurant in Balwyn on 15 December. This is a Tuesday but has been organised because the restaurant normally closes and we will have it entirely to ourselves. It will be a fixed menu and bring your own alcohol. A formal notification will be in the bulletin shortly.
And next year will be just as busy. It's our 40th anniversary and we obviously need to celebrate. Do we go formal or relaxed? There will be another Rotarians for Bees event in May, and there has been a suggestion that we should run a Food and Wine Fair.
Next week we won’t have a speaker but Joe Flinn our secretary will be discussing administrative changes that will be occurring next year.
Have a nice week and get ready for a very busy November.
Cheers,
Jillian