Annual Crows Nest Rotary Giving Night - Dec 15th, 2025
Hosted by current President Mark Staples, on behalf of Past President Angelo Raveane, who choose the charities.
First let me acknowledge the hard work of the members & friends who did raise this money. The monthly Bunnings BBQ and our annual Melbourne Cup Trifecta. So over $26,000 has been allocated to Angelo in his year, and I have also contributed from next year’s allocation. Not bad for a club of 23 members
Tradition had the immediate Past President(Angelo) hand out cheques based on the money raised in his/her year. Obviously with board approval, but we have a list of over 100 charities of which all are in need of help - it becomes a difficult task. Most new donations are a result of a presentation at one of our meetings.
Moving forward I want to flag three potential changes. The key being we want to move from EOY ‘Cheque writing’ to assistance in projects during the year. We will also plan to complete a ‘charities’ assistance guide/checklist to help identify who is in most need, and thirdly we want to encourage new members to nominate a charity of their choosing that we can assist. Our club health check has also identified the need for more Governance around the process. We are also working with one of Michelle’s district themes, in that we have started working with other clubs. One example you will hear about later.
So tonight, we have a combination of projects and ‘Cheque Giving’, and we have some that have already received their donation, and some yet to be given their, but looking forward to hearing how our donations will/has benefitted our community.
Lets start with our Main project for the Year – Royal North Shore Hospital Breast Screening Unit. I need to explain how we found the $15,000. We had a District Grant of $5000, Angelo has allocated $4000 from tonight, I have contributed $4000 from next year’s allocation, and finally a big Thanks to Lane Cove Rotary(Jenny right) for their $2000. Meredith(middle) explained that the Breast screening device purchased saves women having to go thru biopsies, significantly reducing the process, pain & anxiety. The impact on women is remarkable. 
Whilst on RNSH with help from last year’s District grant, Community Director Louise reminded us our gift to the Neo Natal unit
These units play a critical part in reducing jaundice in babies born prematurely. They are state of the art and much more efficient than the lights they have been using.
Going International, to India, we have Kerry Luxton from Fisherfolk charity. Since 2004, Kerry Luxton has spent around two months each year volunteering in Kolkata and raises funds annually to support her work. The funds help cover costs for two homes for destitute elderly people in Kolkata, as well as salaries and materials for 12 teachers across six small schools in remote fishing villages on the Bay of Bengal. These schools serve around 300 children from fisherfolk and itinerant families, many of whom are the first in their families to receive an education. 
Back to Sydney where we have member Kate representing CANTEEN which is an organisation that supports children who are suffering from Cancer or have family member combating cancer. We financed a Canteen project called “Memory Box” to help children deal with devastating grief. Based on research it has been found that the boxes help to keep their memories safe and the small, meaningful pieces of their loved one’s life can be with them forever - It gives children a way to revisit their loved one and to remember.
The boxes are made of beautiful wood and can contain paints, treasure boxes paper etc.
Steve from Yaralla Scouts listed numerous activities and cost of a scout Jamboree, but critically the impact on the development of the youths that attend. The effort the scout leaders put into these was also very impressive. 
The Rotary Foundation was represented by Past President Bill Lee , who noted numerous recipients of Rotary own charity, with the main two being the District Grants back to the clubs as well as the project to eliminate Polio. (note Bill Gates matches every Rotary $ for Polio Capped at $US50Million).
ROMAC Chairman, Chris Dunwell , replacing our honorary member and past Chairman of ROMAC, Harold Sharp who sent his apologies. Chris reminded us of the how they bring in children from around the Pacific for operations that cannot be performed in their own countries. They find surgeons to work for nothing, but have huge hospital bills to pay. Deformities, serious burns and co-joined twins to name a few examples.
Gail from Freedom Hub, shocked us all by referring to the 41,000 slaves in Australia today. Victims are trapped in forced labour, domestic servitude, human trafficking or forced marriage. Many don’t even realise they’re victims. The Freedom Hub exists to: End slavery in Australia , Help survivors recover and thrive & Partner with businesses to reduce global slavery. They are Australia’s only life-long recovery hub for survivors of modern slavery. They empower survivors of modern slavery to rebuild their lives and train for lasting employment. Through our Survivor School, employment pathways, and ethical business initiatives, we provide real tools for long-term freedom. A couple of excellent examples of survivors recovering re-enforced the the impact of the work they are doing. 
DG Michelle Ellery also stunned us with the fact that 2 in 5 children under 10 suffer from a form of mental illness. Michelle's partner in conjunction with Rotary Health are funding a PhD in Children's mental health. Again more facts and examples rammed home the need for this research.
Sharon from Care flight did not need to convince us the amazing work they do, and their impact on our community. With 9000 patients treated every year, their work is legendary Their helicopter medical transports/rescues are world class and essential in saving lives. Lets me finished by acknowledging three other fantastic community groups here. Whilst not in Angelo’s allocation this year we have, and will work very closely with them in the near future. No need to explain tonight, as you will probably be up here next year.
First We have Jennifer here tonight from Mary’s House(Women’s DV refugee) who received thousands of Gift cards from our tree of joy last year. Whilst nothing locked in for this year yet, we did received a comprehensive update at our meeting in October.
Secondly Taldumande (Youth Services) we have Annie & Nicole here and they meet only last week with Louise on a number of potential projects. We just approved $400 for their Xmas Lunch later this week.
Thirdly, welcome to Mark Thompson, the new CEO of Crows Nest Community Centre, who replaced Denise Ward last week. Whilst our key project is the monthly Rotary dementia Café, we work on a number of small projects. Latest example is yesterday Crows Nest Community Xmas Carols. We have used the Centre’s BBQ on a number of occasions this year, without filling up the Gas bottle, so I’m pleased to announce that the profit from yesterday’s BBQ will be going to the community centre. $700. A ‘flow thru’ rather than part of the Giving night allocations.
Message from our District Governor, Michelle, who attended, 
Dear President Mark and members of the Rotary Club of Crows Nest,
Thank you so much for having me at your Giving Night last evening. It was a pleasure to be part of such a special night that so clearly reflected the heart and generosity of your club.
I am deeply grateful for the very generous donation to the Australian Rotary Health partner project. Thank you for your continued commitment to mental health research and support — it truly makes a meaningful difference.
It was also wonderful to see so many worthy organisations supported on the night, including CareFlight, The Rotary Foundation, and many others. Your club’s generosity and the way you actively engage with and support projects throughout the year are something to be proud of and to celebrate.
Thank you again for your hospitality, your kindness, and for the positive impact you continue to have in your community and beyond.
Warm regards,
Michele Ellery