By BRIDGET SCOTT
CASEY Rotary is making a difference to areas much further than the City of Casey – but overseas as well.
In a recent wine tour of the Yarra Valley, organised by Casey Rotary member John McGreal, the organisation raised $4000, which will be donated to Kimbe.
The Kimbe Assistance Project was set up by Barbara and Adrian Corkeren, and is operated by the Berwick and Narre Warren Catholic parishes.
The project was initiated to help assist the area of Kimbe, the capital of the West New Britain Province of Papa New Guinea (PNG).
The project is aimed at helping to assist the area, which has both limited resources and facilities.
Barbara and Adrian have described some of the villages in the area as ‘cashless societies’.
Since the beginning of this project in 2009, the volunteers behind the mission have helped to successfully ship three containers of medical and educational equipment, to the region.
The money raised from the wine tour last month will go toward the work of the Kimbe Assistance Project, and will help in the shipping more containers to PNG.
Around 50 people attended the wine tour, with one attendee so impressed that they donated $500 alone.
Organiser of the event John Mcgreal said the benefits of events such as these were two-fold.
“We do one a year, and as well as fund-raising money, it’s great for friendships,” he said.
“The whole thing’s a winner – it’s why I love doing it.”
Plans are already underway for an upcoming golf tournament, and John is excited to help host another event on behalf of Casey Rotary.
“You make good friendships, have good times and you’re fund-raising money which helps others,” he said.
“You can’t lose.”
