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NEWS......... The Rotary Club of Basildon Concord launch a Christmas Fund Raising initiative to support Mental Health in Basildon

NEWS......... The Rotary Club of Basildon Concord launch a Christmas Fund Raising initiative to support Mental Health in Basildon
This week the Club will be preparing the campaign that will be using the GlobalGiving crowd funding platform to raise money for two of the local organisations that help local people with mental heath issues. The two Charities/CIC's are Motivated Minds and The Listening Post.
On Monday 30th November, the campaign officially starts. Tuesday 1st December will be what is now known as Giving Tuesday. This is now celebrated every year on the Tuesday following Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving; fuelled by the power of social media and collaboration.
Club organiser of the project - Past President Danny Lovey says "Tuesday the 1st December is the day that people are going to be urged to give to the campaign. The campaign will last all of December.
Without doubt, local organisations are making a tremendous effort to assist those with mental heath issues and are encouraging people to make time to look after themselves for their 'wellbeing'. Covid has certainly led to an increase in anxiety, stress and depression as a result of the lockdowns, plus the financial and family issues. There is an immediate problem now and much of this may lead to longer term problems".
We would ask people to be generous and give to our campaign to help towards peoples mental health in Basildon
The Link to the Giving page will appear on this site shortly

Classrooms for Zvamaida Primary School project appeal
Our Club has now got together the funding for the project and in particular we have had help from Italy from the Rotary Club of Ferrara and their District 2072. Our local District 1240 and clubs have also assisted. Also, a grant from Rotary International Foundation which came with their approval to start the project. We thank everyone who has helped us in our fund raising efforts and look forward to starting the project.

This is now a very exciting time for our club and we will be posting pictures once building gets underway.

UPDATE

visit our Facebook page:   https://www.facebook.com/appealforZvamaidaSchool for more information about the project
Or you can give direct to: 
   
   
https://globalgiving.org/projects/build-classrooms-for-zvamaida-school-zimbabwe
Thank you

PLEASE JUST COPY THE LINK AND PASTE TO DONATE

To make a donation to our Crowd Funding page for the building of classrooms at Zvamaida Primary School, please use the link below and paste to your browser. Thank you

One week to go before the GlobalGiving Crowd Funding campaign starts

Our project to build classrooms for the 365 children of Zvamaida Primary School is
now only a week away from the start of the GlobalGiving Crowd Funding program.
During the 3 weeks from Monday 9th September to Friday 27th September we have
to raise $5,000 US Dollars (apx £4,000) from 40 donors, which is challenging.
If we do this then we can remain on the GlobalGiving platform and continue with
Crowd Funding.

As you will see whilst every £1 counts so does the number of donors; so large or small, every donation counts towards our 40 donors. It is now countdown time to next Monday. Please support our Crowd Funding campaign.

URL to our GlobalGiving donation page: https://globalgiving.org/projects/build-classrooms-for-zvamaida-school-zimbabwe

Campaign leaflet for the Building of Classrooms at Zvamaida Primary School

Crowd Funding news for Building Classrooms at Zvamaida Primary School

The Club has been approved by Global Giving Crowd Funding to go onto its September Accelerator programme. This means that from Monday 9^th September until Friday 27^th September our club will be open for donations to the site. We need to raise $US 5,000 with 40 donors supporting our fund raising efforts in order to ‘graduate’ and remain on the Global Funding platform and continue to raise funds.

Please do consider making a contribution to this funding project. The way to find the funding page is either to go direct to Global Funding URL https://globalgiving.org/projects/build-classrooms-for-zvamaida-school-zimbabwe, or go to our Facebook page and type in Zvamaida Primary School or the URL: https://www.facebook.com/appealforZvamaidaSchool/?modal=admin_todo_tour and donate via the button there. First donations commence on Monday 9th September.

Building Classrooms for Zvamaida Primary School

The Club is embarking on a very ambitious overseas project in Zimbabwe. You will know there has been a change in the governing of the country and Mr Mugabe is no longer the President. As a country, the people have suffered badly over recent decades; there is much poverty and deprivation, much has to be done to rebuild and move the country forward.

Summary

The project in Zvamaida Community, Chegutu District of Zimbabwe, currently has a school pupil enrolment of 365 children, just one classroom block, no electricity and hole in the ground toilets. Most of the children are taught under thatched buildings or trees. The children walk long distances to get to school and most are undernourished and impoverished. The aim is to build a total of 6 classrooms, provide electricity, a new water borehole, Ecosan toilets, plus sanitary facilities for the girls.

What is the problem?

Inadequate infrastructure and learning outside the classrooms causes school children to be disturbed during windy, sunny, cold and rainy days. Poor infrastructure reduces children's concentration leading to failure in their studies. During a needs assessment that was conducted in May 2018, by The Ministry of Social Welfare, it noted children were attending classes in make-shift classrooms and the inadequacy of this to provide children with a good education.

How will this project solve the problem?

Construction of the new classrooms will greatly diminish the need for students having to learn in inadequate buildings and also for suitable school desks to be provided. This will also encourage children to attend school and give them more self-esteem, confidence and aspirations. The provision of electricity is also important as indeed will be a new dedicated water bore-hole. Improved sanitary toilet facilities will be further progress in the development of the school.

Potential long term impact

Around 365 children will have access to a school that not only has 6 new classrooms, but also electricity, an improved water supply, new toilet facilities and a learning environment more appropriate and conducive for learning. This will ensure higher attendance levels at the school and a more positive view towards the importance of education. The health of the children should improve - benefiting from all the new facilities including sanitary facilities for the girls

Rotary Foundation

Rotary also has its own charity - The Rotary Foundation - which throughout the world, funds improvements in health, supports education and helps to alleviate poverty. One of the main projects spearheaded by Rotary Foundation is the eradication of Polio through its support of a global vaccination programme. From a staggering 125 polio endemic countries in 1988, Rotary's efforts have reduced this to just 3 in 2015. Eradication of polio from Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan would rid the world of this crippling disease forever. More information is here

Send A Cow

Rotary and Send a Cow have worked together for many years. District 1240 in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Kisumu Winam in Kenya and Rotary Foundation are providing livestock for families in this remote part of Africa. SAC provides families with an alternative source of income which enables them to work their way out of poverty and malnutrition. The sale of milk, crops and calves generates income used for schooling, and healthcare. This simple idea has an incredible effect on the lives of people in Africa.

Youth Competitions

Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland (R.I.B.I.) offer a range of youth activities / competitions and in District 1240 offers many of those activities and competitions.

YOUTH SPEAKS– This competition offers a team of three young people aged between 11 to 17 years the opportunity to experience speaking on a public platform. Schools have been supporting this activity for many years. Intermediate Teams – 11-13, Senior 14-17 years old.

YOUNG CHEF– Cooking amongst young people is a valuable life skill. Sponsored by Filippo Berio, contestants prepare and present a three course meal within a pre-set budget and a time limit, which is judged by an expert panel.

YOUNG MUSICIAN– Music is an international language and we at Rotary encourage talented and young people by providing this opportunity to demonstrate their musical skills.

YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHER– Photography is a talent and an ever popular art form. Entrants submit three photographs on a theme in black and white or colour, along with a description of the inspiration for their photographs.

YOUNG WRITER– A flair for creative writing is a special gift and this competition promotes and encourages the work of young people who show talent. The winning writers are subsequently published in Rotary magazines.

YOUNG TECHNICIAN– Teams of students interested in engineering and science compete in a one day event to devise and build a solution to an unseen technical task. Solutions are tested and judged against competing teams.

YOUNG CITIZENS AWARD– These showcase the citizenship and responsibilities demonstrated by people under the age of 25. Winners receive a cash prize of Â£500 at the Rotary Annual Conference where the awards are presented live on the BBC News Channel.

R.Y.L.A.– Rotary Youth Leadership Awards allows young people the chance to show their skills over a weekend at the Essex Outdoor Centre on Mersea Island. Leadership qualities are rewarded with certificates and some prizes.

New Generations Service Exchange– for young people who wish to travel alone or in a group to visit another country for the purpose of humanitarian or vocational criteria. The age group is for those over 18 and under 30 years of age.

YOUTH EXCHANGE– These exchanges, which are very safe, offers ages from 15 and 25 a chance to travel almost anywhere in the world and immerse themselves in a foreign culture and it won’t cost a fortune. Young people will return home full of confidence, with valuable experiences to add to a CV for both university or job applications. There are Long and Short Term Exchanges and Camps and Tours.

For full details of these competitions and opportunities please click here.

HERE COME THE GIRL'S AT THE ANNUAL ROTARY HAND-OVER

The Rotary Club of Basildon Concord, held it's annual "Hand-over" dinner at the Holiday Inn, Basildon on Wednesday 29th June.

Outgoing President Danny Lovey handed over the reigns to incoming President Alison Messham, who is the first Lady President of the Club

Also appointed to their positions were two other lady members - Kate Gregory, who will be the 1st Vice President until she takes on the Presidential role in July 2017, and Joanne Phillips the 2nd Vice President who will follow the year after.

Outgoing President Danny Lovey said " It is splendid that we not only have a very capable incoming Lady President in Alison, but both Kate and Joanne in the wings to follow her. The Club has only had lady members for a few years now, but their progress has been excellent and I am absolutely delighted in their appointments and will do all I can to assist them "

Incoming President Alison Messham - in her acceptance of her presidency, said how delighted and proud she was to be appointed President and pledged to work hard for the benefit of Rotary and the Club during her year of Office.

OUR CHRISTMAS TREE AND PRAYER

This year the Club again entered into the spirit of Christmas and displayed our Christmas Tree at the St Martin's Church Christmas Festival along with 30 plus other organisations in Basildon.
This year our theme was peace and reconciliation in the world and as well as the tree we displayed our prayer for the world in the coming year. A larger version of that prayer is printed underneath the picture of the tree standing in St Martin's Church

GREAT FUN EVENING AT THE HOLIDAY INN, BASILDON

A fun evening with around 110 Guests at The Holiday In, Basildon on Friday were entertained by an all star line up of tribute singers includng, Dusty Springfield, Frankie Valli, Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers ablely supported by by 'Keeley' who did her own selection of her favorite songs by legends such as Patsy Cline, Brenda Lee, Connie Francis and others.

The Dinner Dance & Cabaret show was in aid of The Papworth Trust and Rotary Charities in an evening organised by the Club and the local management of the Holiday Inn, Basildon.

CLUB WELCOMES FOUR NEW MEMBERS

At a recent Club meeting at the Holiday Inn Basildon, the Club President Danny Lovey inducted four new members to the Club.

After the induction of the new members, Irene Bard, Brian Beaumont, John Handley and Mo Larkin, President Danny said, "it has been a great privilege to welcome all four of the new members to the Club, all of whom I have every confidence will become good Rotarians and will be bringing new ideas and talents to add to those of our current members."Basildon Concord Club is continuing with it's program of attracting more members to the Club and anyone who would be interested to discussing potential membership should give President Danny a phone call on 07740 600539

A LIVELY AND INTERESTING CLUB MEETING WITH GUEST SPEAKER JO REVETT FROM PAPWORTH TRUST

Wednesday 29th July at the Holiday Inn Basildon, saw the Rotary Club of Basildon Concord have as their guest speaker Jo Revitt of the Papworth Trust.

After Jo's presentation to the club, she was presented with a cheque for Â£500 in favour of the Papworth Trust, in a joint donation between the Concord Rotary club and the Holiday Inn Basildon, who had together run a function for them.

Club President, Danny Lovey, thanked Jo Revitt for her inspiring presentation and said that "The Papworth Trust are worthy of a higher profile in our community for the outstanding work they have done for the disabled in the local area over many years and who will continue to do so".

Jo Revitt, said " Papworth Trust is a leading disability charity. Our vision is a world where disabled people are seen for what they can do, and our mission is for disabled people to have equality, choice and independence.Our work includes providing a range of high quality services for disabled people and campaigning for changes that disabled people want.
Our values are:
We listen to people’s needs and build great services around them
We inspire everyone to try to change our world
We support people to live their lives to the full
We care that every person is seen for what they can do
We work together so that we can make a difference.

Joanne Phillips on behalf of the Holiday Inn Basildon added, "we are very proud to have Papworth as our nominated charity this year, to help them raise much needed funds for a very worthwhile cause"

Seen presenting the cheque in the photograph is Joanne Phillips, Sales Manager, Holiday Inn Basildon, Jo Revitt and President Danny Lovey of Basildon Concord Rotary Club.

HAND-OVER EVENING

Wednesday this week was ‘handover evening’ when the outgoing President of the Club handed over the reins for the next Rotary year to the incoming President.

Outgoing President John Puddefoot, who had served now as the Club President three times, presented the chain of office to the incoming President Danny Lovey, who was to hold the post for the second time.

John thanked the Club for all they had done during his Presidential year and wished Danny all the best as

President for the next 12 months.

Danny said that he was pleased to accept the Presidency and looked forward to helping the club move forward this year and that increasing membership to the club was his main priority.

This coming year is the ‘ruby anniversary’ of Concord Club, which makes it a particularly special year.

The picture shows John Puddefoot 'handing over' to 'Danny Lovey (right)

ROTAKIDS CLUB FORMED AT GREAT BERRY SCHOOL, LANGDON HILLS

The Rotary Club of Basildon Concord is very pleased to announce that the first ROTAKIDS Club in Basildon has been formed in Great Berry Primary School, in Langdon Hills.

After preliminary discussions with the School and then the children, it was agreed to form a RotaKids Club and on Friday 5th June the Club was formally inaugurated.

Club President John Puddefoot presented the School with the Charter Certificate signed by the President of Rotary, Great Britain and Ireland, Peter King. He also heard the RotaKids pledge from the appointed RotaKids President Callum, and Vice President Grace, and presented them with their personal certificates and badges. This was followed by the Secretary, Treasurer and 8 more committee members.

President John said how proud he was to be presenting the Club with their Charter Certificate and meeting the first members to RotaKIds in Basildon. He wished them every success and said that Concord Club would be there to support them as needed in their endevours.Great Berry Headmaster Damian Pye added how delighted and pleased he was for the School to be working with Rotary in setting up the RotaKids Club.

The attached picture shows Members of the Basildon Concord Club and Club President John Puddefoot with the children who were inaugurated as RotaKids showing the Charter Certificate of the Great Berry Primary School. Also in the picture is Teacher Daissy Henandez

WHAT IS ROTAKIDS?
RotaKids is an exciting way for those 12 and under to lead and engage in important, lively activities that will make a positive difference in their school, in their local community and globally. At the same time RotaKids develop the ability and confidence to take up their place in society as responsible, successful, effective citizens both now and in the future.

It is sponsored by a local Rotary Club in or near the town in which the school or group is located. It is chartered through RIBI. (Rotary International, Great Britain & Ireland)

As citizenship is part of the school curriculum this is an opportunity for Rotary to support and expand the work already happening in school. The decisions made always involve the RotaKids. Jobs for fundraising or service projects can be divided up between the class in lesson times. This develops team work.

Rotary mentors could explain a Rotary project eg Recycling project, Rotary ShoeBoxes, Primary School Quiz,or any other idea. Then work with the RotaKids to deliver the project, helping with the background information and any logistical problems.

RotaKids take the following Pledge to demonstrate their commitment to being good citizens:

As a RotaKid,
I endeavour to be fair to all
to serve my community
and to show respect for others

RotaKids will come up with ideas like:

fundraising money for charity,
leading on school and local community improvement projects
improving the environment,
helping the elderly
helping children in another country.
and much more as these are just examples of what the RotaKIds may choose to do.

Basildon Concord Club is a small, friendly club of enthusiastic and active volunteers who want to enjoy themselves and give their time and talents to help others.
We support many organisations in Basildon that support the needy, be it through an advice centre, food packages or special needs groups.
Also, we support individuals both children and others in the community that need help.
In addition we support Rotary's international projects to help others abroad such as fighting Polio and providing shelter, food and water.

You can see us on Facebook as well.

New members welcome!

Our Club membership is open to both gentlemen and ladies. If you are interested in joining us for fun, fellowship and helping us to help others, why not contact us?

Have a chat with Danny Lovey, telephone 01268 414943or 07740 600539