Rotary’s warm welcome

THE Rotary Club of Pakenham warmly welcomed representatives of local branches of both the CFA and SES who dined with Rotarians last Tuesday.
The dinner began with the presentation of cheques to each branch representative and during the course of the evening a slide presentation depicting scenes of incredible destruction and nature at its worst during the Black Saturday fires in the local area reinforced the bravery and commitment shown by thee volunteers. It also reinforced the continued need for support to fund much needed equipment.
Fittingly, the chairman of the evening, president elect Tim Ahern, who was heavily involved with co-ordinating the rebuilding stage in the Labertouche area was charged with presenting the donations.
While accepting their cheques each representative spoke of their unit’s direct involvement, and the nature of their work during the fire period, speaking not only of the pride of being able to save property, but unfortunately, also of that which was lost and the psychological impact of what they had seen.
Each branch gratefully accepted a donation of $1,500, raised by the Rotary Club of Pakenham through a variety of community fund-raising activities.