By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
MEMBERS from the Endeavour Hills Rotary Club last week gave back to the volunteers who have already given so much to their community.
The volunteers at the Andrews Centre, in Endeavour Hills, don’t help the needy just to gain recognition.
But that hasn’t stopped the Casey community from thanking and rewarding the local crisis and counselling centre.
The money raised from the Rotary Club of Endeavour Hill’s Golf Day, held at Cranbourne Golf Club on Monday 23 February, will be largely donated to the Andrews Centre to assist in its work.
Endeavour Hills Rotarian John O’Reilly said his club recently helped the Andrews Centre with the $7000 renovation of its kitchen.
He said the club was impressed by the work the facility’s selfless volunteers did for the less fortunate.
“They work in the community, we work for the community, and these people are just doing amazing things,” he said.
“They are all professional people who have retired and they volunteer their time.
“We were so impressed with what they do and we thought let’s not just do the kitchen but let’s also throw some money at them, too.”
Despite the weather which was threatening the golf day, the Rotary Club was able to organise for a lunch to be held instead of a dinner.
The rain stayed away until a very successful 12-hole competition was played later in the afternoon.
“We got out of a real tight spot and made a lot of money,” he said.
“I thank the golfers for the generosity, they were fabulous.”
John said the donations are still being collated but he hopes the event has raised more than the hoped-for $16,000.
While various other charities will also benefit from funds raised at the golf day, which was sponsored by major partner Bendigo Bank, Mr O’Reilly said the Andrews Centre would be the main beneficiary.
“When you think about people who can’t speak English and can’t get a job, when they haven’t got food – there’s so many basic things that the Andrews Centre helps out with,” he said.
“They’re very important, in my opinion, and it’s done with love.
“They’re very genuine and that’s what blew us away.”
For more information, visit www.rotaryendeavourhills.org.au.
