International Convenor Linden Warburton's Report to members in May 2018

Microfinance Project.

Since setting up Club account in July 2016, by the end of April 2018 seven loans have been made totalling £1350.00, five of which have been repaid in full. These were to a General Store in Malawi, Market Stall in Malawi, Clothing business in Philippines, General Store in Pakistan, Grocery store in Zambia.

Loans still outstanding are to a Farmer in Pakistan and a Street Vendor in Ecuador.

Total repayments received £1067.00

67 entrepreneurs and 231 families have been helped, and two jobs created.

I would like to thank Jack Swanston whose advice and support in managing the club’s account has been invaluable.

Shoebox Appeal

In October/November club members, families and friends filled 87 boxes which were sent to Romania and Moldova. This is less than last years 110 boxes. I noticed that several primary schools and churches organised their own shoebox appeals which may have impacted on our numbers. Many thanks to Tommy Mulvee for acting as our storage and collection point.

Film Night

This was held on 18^th November and raised £330.50 towards Selkirk Rotary Club’s Philippines Project through an enjoyable evening when we showed the film ‘Tommy’s Honour’. Seems an acceptable amount in view of Live Borders' increased charges for hire of cinema and for providing refreshments.

Street Collection.

This was planned for Saturday 17^th March. Unfortunately due to atrocious weather conditions in previous weeks, a Scotland 6 Nations match, and a rescheduled rugby match at Mansfield Park all impacting on Town Centre footfall the decision was taken to defer this event to a later date.

Glasses for Recycling.

During August /September Jack Swanston appealed to members for glasses no longer of use. 35 pairs were collected and sent to VisionAid International for recycling. This project is still ongoing, through Specsavers in Galashiels.

A donation was also made to Myanmar Disaster Appeal at £250.00, and a shared donation with Community/Vocational of £100.00 to Bikes4Africa.

Finally, many thanks to my committee and club members for the help and support provided during the last year.

Linden Warburton