St Mary’s Home for women
Liaison with the manager of St Mary’s to facilitate requests for financial and in-kind support, as required.
St John’s Home for men
As required, liaison with the manager of St John’s to facilitate requests for financial and in-kind support.
Wesley Hospital Support
The Club makes donations and sponsors wards at The Wesley. Working with Ray Crompton (Fundraising Development Manager at the Wesley Hospital) Toowong Rotary has also engaged in fund raising to assist the Wesley Hospital Palliative Care Program (in particular, sponsoring a palliative care room in honour of Past President and District Governor Dr John Feros).
International House Support
The Rotary Club of Toowong is leading a project to re-establish a closer relationship between Rotary clubs and International House. International House, a multi-cultural residential college within the University of Queensland, began as a ‘Golden Anniversary’ project of the Rotary Club of Brisbane. It has been strongly supported by Rotarians and Rotary Clubs of District 9600, as well as many other Rotary Clubs through-out Queensland, nationally and internationally.
Whilst Rotary financial support and involvement was strongest from inception in 1955 until about 2000, International House and Rotary are looking to re-connect and develop a strong supportive relationship. The intent and goal of this project is one of mutual benefit: where Rotary clubs can contribute to the Fourth Object of Rotary – to foster the advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through fostering global fellowship between business and professional persons united in the ideal of service. On the other hand, International House residents benefit from interaction with Rotarians, and the institution itself from Rotary financial contributions.
In recognition of Rotary’s support, and specifically the contribution of Past Rotary International President Sir Clem Renouf AM who played an integral part in the establishment of International House, the International House Foundation Ltd agreed to rename the largest residential tower accommodating over 50 students, after Sir Clem. Fifty rooms in the SIR CLEM RENOUF AM ROTARY INTERNATIONAL TOWER are being refurbished, with Rotary Clubs and Rotarians being invited to sponsor the rooms. Our club is closely involved in the promotion of this project.
Distribution of Hampers for the Smith Family
Conducted just prior to Christmas, Club volunteers register with the Smith Family organisation to deliver food hampers to the needy.
Support for Red Shield Day
Club members volunteer to act as drivers and funds administrators in support of the collection efforts of the BBC Interact (Junior Rotary) Club. Sponsored by the Salvation Army. Drivers must have a current Blue Card.
BBQ Sausage Sizzles at the Peace Fair
With the proceeds going to the Peace Scholars Travel Fund.
Volgren BBQs
At Volgren’s request, the club runs a lunchtime sausage sizzle for staff on the last Friday of each month. This is conducted by a small team on Fridays and earns the Club about $500 from each event.
Hosting of the Australian Citizenship Ceremony
On Australia Day at the Indooroopilly State High school.
Disadvantaged Children Movie Days
Tickets are distributed to a number of accredited children’s organisations which, in turn, ensure that appropriate families receive their cinema tickets. On the day every child is presented with sweets. Over 1000 ticket recipients attend the El Dorado Theatre at Indooroopilly to enjoy a selection of children’s films. The event is a stimulating experience for families which normally would not normally be able to manage such outings.
Drug Arm – Community Outreach
Funds raised from the Disadvantaged Children’s Movie Festival are then used to provide financial assistance in other priority areas of community concern. The main recipient over the last nine years has been DRUG ARM – helping to fund their Community Van Outreach Program. During the past 10 years, Toowong RC has donated over $550,000 to this cause.
Film Premiere
Toowong RC also organises a Movie Premiere each year at the Regal Twin Cinema, Graceville to help fund Polio Plus and the Club’s youth activities. This year almost 200 enjoyed cocktails in the foyer, before viewing the first showing the movie.
Flower Deliveries
Twice a year at Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day the Rotary Club of Toowong members deliver flowers for Daisy’s Florist Toowong as a Club fundraiser. The deliveries usually extend over a three day period. Each weekend of deliveries raises up to $1000 in funds, which helps the Club deliver its community service assistance.
ARH PhD Scholarships
In past years, the Club has donated generously to AUSTRALIAN ROTARY HEALTH (ARH). This money goes into a Funding Partner Scholarship where our Club, a selected University and Australian Rotary Health jointly fund a PhD Scholarship for research. Toowong Rotary has been doing this for the last 10 years. It involves issuing PhD Scholarships where each scholarship requires a three year commitment. At $29,000 per annum, the scholarship is funded as follows: $11,000 from the Rotary Club; $11,000 from the University; and $7,000 from Australian Rotary Health. The scholarship is called the “Basil Shaw Scholarship” (after a former President of the Rotary Club of Toowong who served with great distinction).
Probus Clubs Support
RC of Toowong has ‘responsibility’ for three Probus Clubs (comprising non-active and retired Rotarians) and has a member on the Board of each Club:
- Toowong (Combined)
- St Lucia (Mens)
- Ithaca (Combined)
- Mt Coot-tha Kenmore (jointly with RC Kenmore)