Page 9 - Rotary Matters - August 2020 - v2

RAWCS Bushfire Relief Fund

The RAWCS Southern Region has an allocation of funds from
the National Appeal which is being used to assist with Bushfire
recovery in the Adelaide Hills and the western end of Kangaroo Island.

Bill Walsh from Rotary Club of Glenelg and former resident of Kangaroo Island has spent a considerable
amount of time on KI assisting with re-fencing and assessing the needs of KI residents affected by bushfire.
The RAWCS Bushfire Relief Fund has begun to financially support the community and to date has funded
$15,000 of fodder (with more on the way in the next few weeks) shoes for children who lost theirs in the
fires and fuel vouchers totalling $5,000 which will be available from the Recovery Centre to help with fuel
costs to run generators for those living in temporary housing pods while their homes are being rebuilt.

On weekend of 25th—26th July, Bill was joined by Les Dennis from Rotary
Club of Regency Park and DG David and Lyn Jones to meet with locals from
both Western Districts Sporting Complex and Stokes Bay Community Hall
both devastated by the fires. The rebuilding process is costly due to
stricter building regulations but the enthusiasm of these locals to rebuild
was evident and were grateful Rotary had taken an interest in their plight
and with our willingess to assist wherever we can.

A Rotary car load of linen from DIK was also delivered to the Parndana
Community. The linen is from mining camps provided through the
generosity and assistance of Rio Tinto, Fortescue Metals Group, and
Toll Transport, and is a project of the Rotary Club of Mill Point in WA.
A container of linen made its way to DIK last year and is being
distributed as needed.

Delivery of Linen from DIK
Christmas In July

Sunday was the highlight as RAWCS funded a Christmas in July celebration for local families whose
Christmas was not so joyful due to the Bushfires. Held in the Parndana Hotel, it provided a unique
opportunity for 60 locals to come and spend time together sharing stories and updating each other on
the progress of their rebuild. Father Christmas found his way across to the island (Les) with elf support (Lyn).
Presents for the kids were funded by RAWCS as were as gift vouchers for the adults. There was much praise
to the organisers who provided this much welcomed opportunity. Thanks to Bill and Les for their
organisation of this event and to KI resident Kathy Bald. Principal Engagement Officer – Bushfire Project.
Hi Kathy, Just a quick thank you for yesterday. It was lovely to sit and have some time to unwind and
enjoy a nice meal. We caught up with some friends and met some new ones. The efforts of yourself
and Rotary were much appreciated by us and I am sure by the community. Gert and Anne Hatton

L-R Bill Walsh, Les Dennis, Greg Bald (Western Districts
Sporting Complex) DG David and Lyn

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