Playground to the Philippines Project
For some years, our Club has not attempted a major project.
About eight months ago, an opportunity arose to send a recovered playground to the Philippines. At the time, President Elect Robin’s wife has a relative at a start up Rotary Club in the Philippines, the Rotary Club of Plaridel Polaris. The early stages of the project was mainly driven by Robin and Secretary Barbara, who were in constant contact with the RC Plaridel Polaris (needed to provide a “wish list”), the RC Mount Barker (the donator of the playground), and RARE, the latter 2 organisations providing invaluable experience on process and requirements.
The project sounded simple enough - but very quickly, the challenges appeared. funding, logistics and especially our age demographic became stumbling blocks. The concern was: “We’re too old - how on earth can we load a container?” That’s when we realised, we needed to think outside the box and find younger, fitter hands to help.
We explored several options - the Surf LifeSaving Club, Police Academy cadets, even the local Fire Brigade - but those conversations didn’t lead to anything. Just as momentum seemed to fade, a surprising solution appeared. President Robin’s wife, Luella, spotted a Facebook post from a community group offering volunteer service work - everything from mowing lawns to moving furniture.
It sounded too good to be true, but we got in touch.
One thing led to another, and within weeks, we had a team of enthusiastic volunteers onboard. Over five weekends of preparation involving both our Members and the Missionary volunteers, we were able to pack an entire 20-foot container with educational materials, medical supplies and playground equipment. On the final day, 16 missionary volunteers and 6 Club members arrived - and within just four hours, every square centimetre of that container was filled to capacity. It will be on its way to Manila in two weeks, where it will make a tangible difference in the lives of children and families.
The experience has been transformative for our Club. What at first seemed impossible turned into not only a successful project but a renewed sense of energy and purpose among our members. Alongside the incredible efforts of our Club members in sourcing a wide range of donations - including new school uniforms, desks and chairs, books, toys, educational supplies and medical equipment - we were fortunate to have the enthusiastic support of young missionaries who assisted with the physical side of the project.
These volunteers were from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, led by President Rhys Standley of the Australia Adelaide Mission. Their work ethic, positivity and willingness to serve made all the difference.
One of our members commented: “Your church recruits were a great bunch of workers and wonderful people to work alongside.” Rhys has encouraged us to pass on this available and enthusiastic labour support to other Clubs, or to other people we see has a need in our Community.
This project reminded us that no Club is ever “too old” or “too small” to dream big.
With creativity, determination and the right partnerships, there is always a way forward.
