PHFs presented to Steve Bravey, Clive Shepherd and Paul Prior with Cleveland Rotary President Gavin Becker. Photo: Supplied.
FROM THE ROTARY CLUB OF CLEVELAND
Rotary Australia World Community Service Northern Region’s RARE (formerly DIK – Donations in Kind) recently relocated from Kingston to McArthur Street, Alexandra Hills.
The new Alexandra Hills facility was officially opened on Saturday, February 3, with the Rotary Club of Cleveland providing marquees, seating and a BBQ lunch for attendees.
Rotary members were instrumental in preparing the facility for RARE’s use. It’s not often that three Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) certificates and pins are presented simultaneously. Still, this privilege was given to Cleveland Rotary President Gavin Becker at the facility’s launch event.
President-elect Clive Shepherd, his friend Paul Prior, and club member Steve Bravey each received a PHF for their tremendous efforts in renovating the old poultry research station to make it usable for RARE.
Paul and Clive did the re-wiring and installation of all things electrical, while Steve completed the plumbing. They each donated countless hours over several months to complete the work, often also contributing materials and resources from their businesses. Their work now enables others to sort and pack much-needed goods into containers for disadvantaged overseas communities.
Club Member Anna Bray (PHF in June 2023) also received a certificate of appreciation for her contribution in preparing the premises for use, which included cleaning, painting, planning, and making signs – too many tasks to list. In addition, without the work of the Club’s past president, Albert Benfer (PHF) and his liaison with the Redland City Council over the past five years, RARE would not have these excellent premises to work in each week.
Rotarians and volunteers work at RARE on Thursday mornings, sorting, packing and preparing the goods for shipment overseas.
ABOUT RARE
RARE is an initiative that establishes an efficient and effective program for distributing medical and educational equipment to disadvantaged communities in Australia and overseas. Under a regulative framework, RARE collects valuable donated goods and ensures they find purposeful use in local and international projects. Through RARE, Rotary contributes to humanitarian relief by repurposing equipment that might otherwise go to waste. By providing essential resources to areas affected by poverty, conflict, or natural disasters, RARE exemplifies the spirit of service and compassion that Rotary embodies.
