The Rotary Clubs of Buderim and Woombye Sunrise, in Rotary District 9600, Sunshine Coast, Australia, on Saturday the 29th of March, jointly ran a highly successful International Theme Night to raise funds for humanitarian relief through ShelterBox, a disaster relief program which delivers shelterboxes for homeless families. This humanitarian effort is in keeping with Rotary International's aim to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace in the world, and in support of R.I. President Wilf Wilkinson's call to share our resources, our kindness and our love with those around us as well as with those we will never have the chance to meet. One hundred and four charity-minded local residents and guests from afar each paid $35.00 to attend the event. The party was also graced by nine appropriately-clad YEP students from eight countries.

In his role as the ShelterBox Representative, Past District 9600 Secretary Eric Wood of the Rotary Club of Pine Rivers Daybreak, spoke briefly about the history of the ShelterBox, what it is, and where it is used.

The two Rotary clubs raised enough funds on the night to purchase four ShelterBoxes at A$1200.00 each. Additionally, a generous guest by the name of Trevor Davies, from Golding Contractors (Gladstone, Queensland), donated funds to cover the cost of one additional Shelterbox. Shipment of the ShelterBoxes to needy recipients will be made in due course.

Food and entertainment were provided by FESTURI – a multicultural celebration group. The International Menu consisted of empanadas (Chile), spring rolls (Vietnam), tarta pascualina (Uruguay), chicken curry (India), steamed rice and mixed salads (International flavor), and tiramisu (Italy). Entertainment included Samoan songs, Hawaiian hula, Samoan dance and Indian dance.

The International Theme Night was the brainchild of and coordinated by International Service Director Laurence O’Keeffe of the Rotary Club of Buderim, and John McMaster of the Rotary Club of Woombye Sunrise.

Fred Doctor
Rotary Club of Buderim, D9600
Queensland, Australia
Email: wdoctor@bigpond.net.au

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