Darren reported that he had spoken to DG Jane Cox and was told that it was up to individual clubs to organise relief for those suffering the effects from Cyclone Winston in Fiji.
To follow this, Kaye reported that Prue Dawson, daughter of former Rotarian Dick Escott, has organinsed for a shipment of goods to be freighted over to Fiji. They are in need of products such as feminine hygeine products, baby products including nappies and formula and water purification tablets. At this stage there is little use for money. Kaye suggested that if we wish to donate, she would be traveling to Ballarat on Sunday and would deliver any donated products to Prue.
It was suggested, by both the presidents present, that a collection could be taken tonight. This was agreed upon and a "whip around" was done. A fantastic total of $570 was collected.
Kaye contacted Prue and she was very excited to receive our donation. She has some known sources and will hit them up for bulk items such as water purification tablets, sanitary napkins, tooth brushes and paste, baby formula, nappies, torches and batteries and general medical and first aid items, using our donated money.
For those that were not present, you are welcome to make a donation at the next meeting. Please dig deep and give what you can to support those affected by Cyclone Winston in Fiji.
Kaye also contacted local resident Naraini Randall, who has family in Fiji. Naraini indicated that her family would be too far away for this aid to reach them and that they were more in need of rebuilding their home than immediate "health" needs. She thanked the Rotary club for their concern and for supporting Prue's project of support for Navioga Village and surrounding areas. 
Kaye and Prue are writing an article for the Casterton news, and it should be published this week so keep an eye out. 
 
***UPDATE*** We have donated a total of $1080 to Prue as of 8th March 2016!! Wonderful effort everyone!!!!!!!!
 
I have received this letter from Prue (thanks Kaye):
 
I wish to extend a huge thank you to the Rotary Clubs of both Casterton and Hamilton North for your extremely generous donations of over $1000. It is very much appreciated by myself and the people of Fiji.
 
I am the daughter of Dick Escott who was a member of the Casterton Rotary Club for many years
 
I am a primary school teacher at New Gisborne PS in the Macedon Ranges
 
My family lived in Lautoka, Fiji for 3 years, 2002 – 2005 where my husband was general manager of Carlton Brewery
    For the past 11 years we have supported Naviogo Village which is situated north west of Lautoka
    We opted to support this particular village as it is the village where our housekeeper is from
 
New Gisborne PS decided to “adopt” the village several years ago and have been extremely supportive in donating school stationery supplies
    I have used a Geelong Rotary Club, AirPaci8c and our school community to get essential items to Fiji
    Our housekeeper’s son is on the ground in Lautoka and will pick up the shipment next week
    This shipment includes medical and hygiene supplies, torches, clothing, linen and tarps
    All items will be distributed in Raki Raki which seems to be the worst affected area of the cyclone.
 
Once again Vinaka Vakelevu (Thank you very much).
 
Regards,
 
Prue Dawson