Bringing joy and kindness back to the community is the Rotary Club of Woy Woy’s focus this Christmas, with the club participating in two new community outreach projects.
President Joan Redmond said the limited opportunities for service due to Covid-19 restrictions had influenced the club to think of new ways to help the community.
“With face-to-face activities limited, we’ve had to think outside the square,” Redmond said.
“An upside of Covid-19 is that people have more time to spare, and these projects allow members to be of service, at their own pace.”
The ‘From Me to You’ letterbox project involves members writing anonymous, handwritten letters to people in assisted housing and aged care facilities.
Rotary members are encouraged to be kind, thoughtful and creative in their letters, by including jokes, poems, photos, and drawings.
“This is an act of kindness you can do from home simply by putting pen to paper,” Redmond said.
“You will not receive a letter back, receiving nothing in return is your act of kindness.”
The community is invited to participate in the letterbox project, with more information on the Rotary Club of Woy Woy’s website.
The club will also be participating in the ‘It’s in The Bag’ project run by Share the Dignity organisation, which helps provide products to those who are experiencing period poverty.
The project encourages community members to fill bags with essential toiletry items like shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, soap, and sanitary products.
“Each November Share the Dignity donated thousands of bags to those in need across the country filled with essentials and special gifts,” Redmond said.
“There are lots of chemist sales on at the moment, so it’s a good time to fill up an adult, teen or mum and bub handbag with basic essentials.
“With almost 50 per cent female membership and high participation from partners, we’re expecting bumper bag donations this November, in time for Christmas.”
Anyone in the community can participate in this project with drop off points available at Bunnings stores nationwide from November 20-29.
Hayley McMahon