For more than 20 years, the Rotary Club of Keilor has undertaken an annual project to source the contents for, and pack, 100 Christmas Bags for distribution by Bolton Clarke community Nurses (previously the Royal District Nursing Service) in the lead up to Christmas.  We are supported in this project by a number of supporters whose assistance we greatly appreciate.

 

Despite some sourcing difficulties arising from Covid, the Club was again able to undertake the project in the lead up to Christmas 2022.  Each bag contained personal hygeine products including soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, tissues, cotton buds, as well as food items, including baked beans, spaghetti, soup, biscuits, minced tarts and a Christmas Cake - together with some miscellaneous items, including a book, pen, a cleaning product, small can of wine, sunglasses, beanie and Christmas treats etc.  For Christmas 2022 we also had assistance from Rotary District D9800 Donations in Kind in the form of some donated products.

 

The Bags were packed by more than 25 members, family and friends at the Aberfeldie Bowls Club in what is a traditional evening working bee, concluding with pizzas and fellowship.

 

On the following morning, a fleet of Bolton Clarke cars arrived with the Nurses at the Bowls Club to receive the Bags, and pick them up for distribution over the following few days to the most elderly, isolated and lonely residents under their care in the Moonee Valley & Brimbank local government areas. 

 

The Nurses regularly tell us how the Bag "pick up" and their distribution to recipients is one of their favorite activities.  The thanks we receive from the Nurses and, more particularly the recipients, is reflected in a report, including recipient photos and stories, received from Bolton Clarke each year  It is this report, highlighting the delight and thanks of recipients, which enthuses our members to continue this annual project.