An article from Colleen McCarthy, Rotary club of Bendigo Sandhurst
Each week in our Bendigo Sandburst Bulletin we honour a member to shine a light on the great work they do - no matter how big or how small. Two such members are Jude Miake and Brian Hodge.
The spirit of Rotary is truly reflected in the outstanding work of these two Rotarians. Firstly, let’s cheer for Jude who completed 15 nights service to Bendigo Winter Night Shelter (BWNS) for those vulnerable to the cold.
The BWNS is a community-based program that requires over 400 volunteers from local churches, community groups and support agencies to participate for its success. It utilises an out-of-season scout camp in an outer suburb of Bendigo and makes it available for rough sleepers, providing relief from the cold, winter weather. Operating from June to August for the past few years, BWNS has given safe overnight accommodation, meals, clean comfortable beds supporting people experiencing homelessness. Powered by volunteers such as Jude there are many tasks to complete: from driving the bus to and from the camp, laundry, meal prep to night-shift watch. Jude greets each person with warmth and dignity and provides practical assistance for these vulnerable members of our community.
And cheers also for Brian whose efforts to improve the lives and educational outcomes for children in Blue Kangaroo School Uganda are outstanding. Brian and his wife Jan began the project many years ago, and his work is now supported by Bendigo Sandhurst Rotary. The project has helped improve the educational opportunities available to children and their teachers with the club recently sponsoring a program of teacher training and upskilling.
By identifying areas of need and working collaboratively to develop sustainable solutions, Brian's efforts are helping create brighter futures for young students who might otherwise have limited opportunities. If not enough to improve education, Brian has his sights on an extension of the project hoping to train young tradesmen and women in concrete and building skills to build a larger classroom and facilities. His work demonstrates the reach of Rotary and the profound difference that committed individuals can make in communities around the globe.
Although these projects are separated by thousands of kilometres, they share a common thread of commitment and action. Something Rotarians around the country are doing in every project they manage.
Source: Bendigo Sandhurst Rotary