Salvation Army Charity Sale 2006

31st August 2006

The Annual Salvation Army Charity Sale was held at the Boys' Home at Jalan Ban Hock. Our club was up and early, setting up the booth. This year, we sold 2 types of drinks, longan with cincau and Orange sunshine, which was orange cordial with sago. We also sold mix-packs of chili cornflakes and nuts.

Our chefs at work :D

The BOD turned up in full force to help sell the drinks and snacks. They could be seen going around the sales area, promoting the drinks and selling to the members of the public. The Rotarians were also very supportive and bought many cups from us. We closed shop at about 11am and managed to collect about RM250. This was all given to the Salvation Army to help fund their operations. Though the members were tired and sweaty (with several suffering from sore throats from promoting too much), they enjoyed using their Merdeka morning to help a good cause.

Handover of Books to SK Sg. Maong Hilir

16th August 2006

Our club's Books for Sarawak Rural Schools Project, organized jointly with 3 other Interact Clubs in Kuching managed to raise approximately RM5000, to be divided between 2 rural primary schools in the form of books. On the morning of the 16th of August, 7 of our BOD, accompanied by Mr. Fadzilli headed over to SK Sg. Maong Hilir to handover the books.

Upon our arrival at the school, we were warmly greeted by the school principal, En. Mahmud, and the eagerly waiting schoolchildren. There were approximately 50 children from Primary 5 and Primary 6. All of us felt like teachers as they greeted us in unison. The event started off with a short speech by Mr. Fadzilli, who explained the purpose of our project to both the teachers and the students. He also stressed the importance of literacy amongst students.

Next, the students were divided into 7 groups, each to be led by a Rotaractor. Each group then chose a book and the Rotaractors read aloud to their groups. The students were also given opportunities to read to their groups. Plenty of laughter was to be heard throughout the room, and even the teachers couldn't help smiling at the antics of some of the Rotaractors. Just before school dismissal, the Rotaractors gave out stationery gift sets to all the students present. They also handed out pens and notepads sponsored by Swinburne's Marketing Department.

Rtr. Edison entertaining the students

En. Mahmud then invited the Rotaractors and Mr. Fadzilli for a simple tea in the library. Over Milo and kueh, the Rotaractors were given some suggestions from En. Mahmud about future activities to help the students of the school. They were also able to view the library's collection, which was quite small. As such, they all felt happy that the library would benefit from the project's contribution. It was indeed an exciting and happy occasion for both the students and the Rotaractors. It was a great feeling to see the students' happy smiles and to know that their efforts were worth all the time and sweat.

Lots of happy smiles! =D

The Rotaract Club of Swinburne Sarawak hopes to have more activities that would benefit the students of SK Sg. Maong Hilir, in the coming year.