By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
MEMBERS from the Endeavour Hills Rotary Club this 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 to gain recognition but that doesn’t stop 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, which was held at Cranbourne Golf Club on Monday 23 February, will be largely donated to the Andrews Centre to assist in its work.
While recently helping the Andrews Centre with a $7000 renovation of its kitchen, Endeavour Hills Rotarian John O’Reilly said his club was blown away by the selfless work that the facility’s volunteers do for the less fortunate.
“They work in the community, we work for the community and these people are just doing amazing things,” he said of the Andrews Centre.
“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 Monday’s threatening weather, the Rotary Club was able to organise a lunch to be held instead of a dinner and kept out of the rain 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 was hoping to raise a gross total of $16,000 and while the donations are still being collated, he is confident that target was exceeded.
While various other charities will also benefit from funds raised at the golf day, which was sponsored by major partner the 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.
