By Jed Lanyon
The Rotary Club of Wandin has continued to support the community throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
Wandin Rotarians recently donated three brand new scooters to students of Woori Yallock Primary School.
Upon learning that one student recently had their scooter stolen, the Rotary club decided to donate three scooters, one for the child who had theirs stolen, and two more provided to children who have been unable to undertake remote learning to now be able to ride them to school.
“We know through our association with the school chaplain (Veronica Tirchett) that a number of families have been doing it very tough in recent times and many children have struggled with undertaking remote learning at home,” Wandin Rotary youth director Ben Vallence said.
“We wanted to do something to help these kids and give them a much needed boost.
“When I presented a scooter to one of the children, he was absolutely overjoyed and so grateful for the gift,” Mr Vallence said.
“The pandemic has affected people in our community in so many different ways and now, more than ever, we need to find ways to help those who most need it.
“If a scooter can bring a child some much needed happiness and make it easier for them to get to school, then we think that’s a great outcome we can achieve for the youth in our community.”
Wandin Rotary’s community service committee chairman Gavan McIntyre said the club also helped in donating ten hampers made up of non-perishable goods to families doing it tough.
“As a club, we are aware of the suffering in the community caused by Covid-19 and we are trying to help those who need it most,” he said.
Other initiatives by Wandin Rotary include a free coffee service in three Wandin cafes for essential service workers, while the club has set up an account at a Woori Yallock chemist where Ms Tirchett can direct community members who can’t afford to pay for prescriptions.
Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence commended the Rotary club for supporting their local community in a difficult period.
“It’s wonderful that in such a tough time for our community, the volunteer spirit is strong,” she said. “With more and more locals out of work and experiencing financial hardship, it’s comforting to know volunteer groups like the Rotary Club of Wandin are there to prepare and deliver care packages for those most in need in our community.”
