Community Service Report
As part of our club's commitment to working with and in our local community our Community and Vocational Service Committee along with club members have been able to assist the following:
The SANTOSH ASIAN WOMENS REFUGE provides a place of safety for South Asian women and children fleeing from home because of actual or threatened domestic violence or abuse by their partners or others. The refuge has room for up to six women and their children.We were able to supply and also assemble toys and other early learning materials for children of residents, to ensure that although they found themselves in unfamiliar surroundings mums are now able to keep their children amused and busy, despite the fact that all of their own toys and learning materials have been left behind. We also managed the redecoration of a large family room to give it a more homely feel. Very recently we have donated a large quantity of toiletries as many residents arrive with absolutely no personal items. We are currently undertaking some refurbishments to the lounge area at the refuge to make it more homely for the residents. Our latest project has been to decorate and provide soft furnishings to the lounge area giving the space a more homely feel.
The GLADYS IBBETT DAYCARE HOSPICE, Bedford, provides specialist palliative care on a daily basis to all people affected by cancer or other life threatening illnesses.Our help here involved the transforming of a patient's bathroom to something much lighter and brighter. Three Rotarians donned old clothes and spent an evening with brushes and rollers in hand.
THE ASIAN WOMENS FOUNDATION The need here was for a sewing machine to enable women who had fled their homes to be provided with the opportunity to learn to make and mend their clothes. Between them two members managed to source and refurbish an electric sewing machine which was ideal for the purpose.
ACCM (The Agency for Culture and Change Management) has as its purpose to tackle and eliminate harmful traditional practices (female genital mutilation, forced marriages and honour- based violence) that impact upon and violate the human rights and well-being of girls and women.Their need was to acquire a projector which could be used in conjunction with their PC. We were able to assist by purchasing suitable equipment.
CALVERT TRUST provides the chance to challenge disability through outdoor adventure.This year we were able to provide funds for a young man who attends St John's School in Kempston. The aim of these breaks is to engender an improved level of independence and confidence as a result of being away for a week in a challenging, but supportive atmosphere of the Calvert Trust Resort in Cumbria. Our candidate had the chance to take part in abseiling (this could be done both inside or outside) rock climbing, cycling, pony riding, walking, sailing, archery and many other activities, which provided the opportunity to meet and make new friendships. By all accounts he had a very enjoyable time.
KIDS OUT is a charity which aims to provide a free day out for children across the country, who come from disadvantaged families. More than 2,400 very excited children from schools from around our Rotary District attended this year's gathering at Wickstead Park in Kettering and enjoyed the free rides and picnic, all as the result of of Rotary Clubs, including Bedford de Parys, supporting the event both financially and by supplying helpers for the day. If you feel that you would like to be involved in "putting something back" along with us and can contribute some time and resources to that end, please contact us to see what else Rotary can offer you in return - you could find it extremely rewarding!
SCOTT HALL COMMUNITY CENTRE, Bedford. Like many other charities Scott Hall Community have had their funding cut and they are seeking to raise revenue from hiring out the premises. We provided funds for the purchase of storage cupboards therefore increasing facilities available to hirers.
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PRIORY LOWER SCHOOL, Greyfriars, Bedford. Education is important and we have assisted all the pupils in years three and four at the school by providing them with writing sets for use on their classwork and homework..
SALVE is a UK based charity that does invaluable work in Uganda for street children. They provide accommodation and education in order to prepare them to be self sufficient in later life. With the help of a matching grant from Rotary Foundation we were able to provide funds for a library to be set up at the school enabling students to study for their exams. Recently we have been able to provide Computers, Art Materials and more books for the library with the help of another matching grant from Rotary Foundation. We actively continue to support this very worthwhile charity.
Teamwork has proved useful on two recent projects. Teaming up with the Rotary Club Of Kempston we have given the gardens at GRANGE SPECIAL NEEDS SCHOOL in Kempston a makeover and planted 5000 crocus bulbs on a new roundabout north of Bedford. Rotarians worked tirelessly one Sunday joined at one stage by the Mayor of Bedford to plant the bulbs to promote Rotary Purple 4 Polio campaign. The campaign aims to rid the world of polio. Signs will be erected on the roundabout so that in the spring when there will be a brilliant show of purple crocus members of the public will enjoy the display and learn why they were planted.
UPDATE ON OUR PURPLE ROUNDABOUT............The crocus put on a brilliant display every year the signs are very professional. We are investigating the possibility of planting evergreen and purple foliage to give colour all year round.
We regularly donate ROTARY SHELTER BOXES which are distributed to disasters worldwide. A Shelter Box contains temporary shelter and every day essentials for families.
WATER AID is another charity that we support providing clean water to underdeveloped countries worldwide.
Bedfordshire has provided refuge for a number of UKRANIAN RFUGEES and along with all of the Bedford Rotary Clubs we have been able to provide support in a number of ways helping families to feel little less homesick.
The BEDFORD FOOD BANK has seen a huge increase in clientele needing help. We have recently donated £1000.towards the continuation of the invaluable service they provide.
