Containers of donations sent to Vanuatu

ALFREDTON Rotary recently sourced four containers of materials to be sent to communities in Vanuatu.

The club delivered furniture and equipment for schools and medical facilities across the Pacific nation.

“Not only has this been of great assistance to community members in Vanuatu, but it has also saved more than 50 tonnes of useful equipment from ending up in landfill,” Deb Robertson from Alfredton Rotary said.

Fellow member Jill Oliver identified the need during her time volunteering with Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children (ROMAC).

“Speaking with a doctor in Vanuatu, Jill became aware of the lack of facilities in that nation,” Robertson said.

“Particularly in education and healthcare settings, and set out to make a difference.”

The club drew on connections with schools, hospitals and private medical practices throughout the city and further afield.

Volunteers from the Community Care Centre Ballarat collected the equipment. Containers were stored on site at the centre while being packed.

“Alfredton Rotary members packed the items tight in each container, to ensure every inch was used and equipment didn’t shift in transit,” Robertson said.

The containers have been sent to Tanna Island, Port Vila and Futuna Island.

They had medical equipment, furniture, children’s books, recycled children’s playground equipment, teaching and sporting equipment for schools, a medical centre and hospital.

The club fundraised and received grants to fund the project. Swire Shipping also provided a discount for the final two containers.

Members also travelled to Vanuatu to paint the Children’s Outpatients Ward at the hospital in between filling and sending the containers.

“Members are extremely proud of the difference they have been able to make to the many people who will benefit from these materials,” Robertson said.

“None of this would have been possible without the generosity of our local community who provided the materials and the CCCB volunteers who collected everything.”