Rotary funds excursion of school students RC Narromine along with other clubs has presented a cheque of $8,750 to Tottenham Central School to subsidise the annual excursion of its students lessening the cost burden on parents.

When Geoff Smith travelled through the Tottenham district earlier this year, he was astounded by how dry the area was.

Having spent many years as a member of the Rotary Club of Narromine (New South Wales, Australia – D 9670), Geoff contacted the Tottenham Central School’s Parents and Citizens Association President Greg Radford and enquired on the state of the community before contacting his colleagues on the eastern seaboard to raise awareness of the extent and toll the drought was taking not only on farming families, but also on the small businesses reliant on the local agricultural industry.

With the support of the Rotary Club of Narromine President Chris Barnett, Geoff found that members from other Rotary clubs were only too eager to fundraise.

The team of Rotarians enquired if their contribution could assist the students and families of the Tottenham Central School and their resulting efforts was presented to Greg Radford and Amanda Thorpe, Principal, in the form of a cheque for $8,750 at a school assembly in November.

“The Rotary club donation to our school has assisted us to subsidise every student for their major excursion last year, giving each of our families some relief from the strain of meeting all costs associated with schooling and helping us as parents, to provide extracurricular activities for our children. We are very grateful for their substantial contribution to our community,” Radford said.

“Our kindergarten, year one and two students visited the Wambangalang Environmental Education Centre and years three to six stayed at the Dubbo Zoo and visited various Dubbo attractions.

“Our secondary students were also subsidised, with their excursion taking place at the end of the year to Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour.

“As a school community, we hope to keep things as normal as we possibly can for our students whilst reducing as much financial burden as we can for our families.

“We are looking forward to staying in touch with our donors, keeping them updated about the drought, our excursions and showing them how much we appreciate their support.”

“We keep reminding our students how important it is to remember that no one has to help us, these people aren’t people who know us and we must always thank people for assisting us. One day, when we have an opportunity to assist others in need, we will take it,” Thorpe said.

“Our thanks and gratitude extends to Geoff, Chris and their team at the Rotary Club of Narromine and to the Rotary Clubs of Nelson Bay, Cessnock, Kurri Kurri and East Maitland; to Brian Coffee, District Governor of Rotary International District 9670 and Saint Stephens Uniting Church of Sydney,” Radford said.

“We hope that into the future, we can provide the same generosity to other communities needing support.”

Source: Parkes Champion-Post