Letter from Bronwyn Stephens District Governor & Gordon McKern Past District Governor
It is a pleasure for us to write to you today to update you on the progress of the “Renew Rotary House” Cancer Centre project at North Melbourne that we are undertaking with Fight Cancer Foundation (FCF), formerly the Bone Marrow Donor Institute. We would very much appreciate if you would share this information with your club members.
District 9800 recently entered into a Collaboration Agreement with FCF. This is an important step in establishing the necessary framework for the project to go forward. As part of the agreement we have established a high level Collaboration Committee, chaired by Eric Wright, Managing Director, FCF, with D9800 represented by Past President Pam Baker in addition to ourselves. The Collaboration Committee has a depth of experience and a level of passion to ensure the success of the project. We are very much looking forward to working with the broader Rotary movement to push the project forward.
As you are no doubt aware, we and Eric have been visiting clubs over recent months letting you know about the project. Additionally, Eric has hosted many club visits to the existing Rotary House so that Rotarians can see first‐hand the important work that is done there supporting cancer patients and their families. If you would like to arrange a visit please contact Eric at Eric.Wright@fightcancer.org.au. He will be delighted to make the necessary arrangements.
Looking forward, FCF will be issuing a “prospectus” detailing the project sponsorship opportunities available to Rotary clubs. This initiative is based on a very successful project FCF undertook in Albury with the Rotary Club of Albury North.
Accommodation units, rooms, communal spaces, furniture packages etc. will all be offered along with a range of naming rights. We expect the prospectus will be released early 2020.
Clubs that would like to make a contribution are encouraged to do so now. Contributions may be paid directly to a special bank account account under email advice to Eric. Please include in your email your club name and address details for receipting purposes. Cheques may be forwarded to FCF at Locked Bag AAA, Post Office, Carlton South, Vic 3053.
Contributions made prior to the release of the prospectus will be counted towards any club sponsorship made under the prospectus. Clubs may wish to pledge a set amount per year over time to achieve the amount required to secure naming rights. If you would like more details to this flexible approach please contact Eric at the email address listed above.
The role of Rotary in creating the existing Rotary House cannot be overstated. Literally thousands of people have benefited from this amazing facility when fighting the battle of their lives. We are so proud of what we achieved in creating Rotary House some fifteen years ago and we are excited about creating a new Rotary House capable of helping so many more people into the future. Please join us in this exciting project!