Please take care of my baby. Her name is Catherine. I can no longer take care of her. I have eight others. My husband is out of work. She was born on Thanksgiving Day. I have always heard of the goodness of showbusiness people and pray to God that you will look after her. Signed, a heartbroken mother.”

Despite an extensive search, the mother is never found. The men informally adopt the baby and name her Catherine Variety Sheridan. They go on to pay for the Catherine’s education and upbringing. This prompts the club to start raising funds for other disadvantaged children and Variety – the Children’s Charity is born.

Brenton explained that there are two parts to Variety.  One group enables positive change for kids in need and the other raises the much needed funds to do so.  They exist to support youth in need either physical, mentally or through adverse circumstances.  Over the past 10 years more than $78 million has been distributed with $6.3 million in the last year. Over 600 volunteers provide this help.

Support is widespread from Novita Split Programme to special classes and the sunshine buses.

Brenton thanked the club for its generous support at the Adelaide Zoo Days, alongside the Rotary Club of Campbelltown.  This was originally supported by the Rotary Club of Brownhill Creek which has since handed in its charter.

Money is raised through a number of events, donations and the Variety Ball.  The latter raising $250,000.

Governance is strong and they have it written into their constitution that cost can be no more than 15% for any event.  The balance going to support for the children

Variety supports youth until age 17 and some arts of this can be the grant of scholarships for special needs.

The club thanked Brenton through acclimation and President John presented a bottle of wine.

The International Yachting Fellowship Transformed My Rotary Experience

Posted on June 10, 2024 by rotary service

 

By Angelica Mesistrano, International Commodore of International Yachting Fellowship of Rotarians 

 

Have you ever felt stuck in a routine at your Rotary or Rotaract club because you couldn’t find an outlet to turn your passion into action? That’s exactly how I felt two months after joining my local Rotary club. I was enthusiastic about giving back and taking action, but there was a lot of learning involved in the beginning, and I couldn’t take action. Disappointed, I considered leaving Rotary altogether.

Then, a chance conversation with a fellow Rotary member from another city changed everything. When I commented on my disillusion, she invited me to a meeting organized by the Rotarians for the Advancement of Latin Culture Fellowship, a group focused on celebrating Latino culture. “What exactly is a fellowship?” I asked, curious. Her response restored my enthusiasm.

Imagine a group of people who share your hobbies, interests, or professions – but who also share the core values of Rotary. That’s the magic of a fellowship! I immediately looked for a group that aligned with my love of sailing – the International Yachting Fellowship of Rotarians. I didn’t hesitate to reach out, and from that day on, Rotary became an entirely different experience.

Suddenly, Rotary was more than regular meetings. It was about connecting with like-minded people, forging friendships beyond borders, and sharing a common passion while still upholding the ideals of Rotary. Meeting someone new within the fellowship meant instant camaraderie and a sense of belonging.

I found myself joining the International Yachting Fellowship of Rotarians (IYFR) and, three months later, founding the Punta del Este fleet in Uruguay! Since then, my Rotary journey has been filled with wonderful memories. I’ve participated in several Rotary international conventions, helped organize booths in the House of Friendship, met inspiring people from all over the world, and even gone on post-convention cruises. I have friends from different cultures who are a great enrichment to my life. My perspective on Rotary’s internationality completely transformed thanks to my participation in Rotary Fellowships. Did you know the IYFR has a presence in 48 countries? We are one of the oldest and largest fellowships in Rotary, with more than 3,500 sailors, or, more importantly, we are more than 3,500 Rotary member sailing friends.

 

Here’s the best part: My involvement with the IYFR never overshadowed my commitment to my local club. I’ve held various positions within the club, participated in district teams, and even founded a new Rotary club. The International Yachting Fellowship of Rotarians simply allowed me to enjoy my passion for sailing and the multifaceted world of Rotary.

Honestly, if I hadn’t discovered Fellowships, I might have walked away from Rotary. This program opened my eyes to the true magic of this incredible organization.

 

So, if you’re ever wondering what a fellowship is, let me tell you: it’s a way to experience Rotary in a new light. It’s about building friendships across the globe, enriching your Rotary experience with new activities, and truly understanding the global reach of Rotary International. It’s about serving your community with specialized skills, welcoming new members who share our values and passions, and promoting Rotary’s deep commitment to good work – all while enjoying the things you love most. Intrigued? There’s a fellowship out there for you! Take a look at the official list of Rotary Fellowships – you might just find your perfect match. And if you share my love for the water, the International Yachting Fellowship of Rotarians would be thrilled to welcome you aboard!

Coffee Chat at Impressa, Unley Shopping Centre

Upcoming Meetings

Mitre 10 and Bunnings Barbeques 

The Tale End.....

You Learn if You Live Long Enough!

 

I choked on a carrot this morning, and all I could think of was, "I'll bet a doughnut wouldn't have done this to me."

 

Nothing spoils a good story more than the arrival of an eyewitness.  (Mark Twain)

 

It only takes one slow-walking person in the grocery store to destroy the illusion that I'm a nice person.

 

It turns out that when asked who your favorite child is, you're supposed to pick out one of your own.  I know that now.

 

It's fine to eat a test grape in the produce section, but you take one bite of rotisserie chicken and it's all, "Sir, you need to leave!"

 

I can't believe I forgot to go to the gym today.  That's seven years in a row, now.

 

Testing times at sea

 

 

 

                                       

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