By Jed Lanyon
Over one thousand primary school students across the Yarra Valley took home a bag of apples on Wednesday 28 October thanks to the Rotary Club of Wandin.
Each and every student at Wandin North, Seville, Wandin Yallock, Coldstream, Silvan, Gruyere, Yering and Woori Yallock primary school’s were surprised with a bag of fresh apples totalling over one tonne delivered by Rotary.
Wandin Rotary’s community service committee chairman Gavan McIntyre told Star Mail he thought it was a good thing to do for the community.
We just hope it’s something healthy for them to eat. We know apples can be quite expensive at times in the shops, so it’s just some nice fruit for them to enjoy over the long weekend to share with their families.
Wandin North Primary School principal Paul Bailey said it was a “kind gesture”.
“Rotary prioritised a bag to go to every single student,” Mr Bailey said. “And at our school we have 320 students, so they all went home with a kilo of apples, which was fantastic.
“It was really well received by the students. Historically we would hold a free fruit Friday for students where parents would put together platters of fruit and veggies, but during these times that hasn’t been possible, so the students were really excited to get some apples.”
Wandin Rotary members met the principal at the gates of each school to personally deliver the apple bags, which had been purchased locally from Old Oak Orchards. Mr McIntyre wished to thank Andrew Corbett of Old Oak Orchards for helping support the community project.
“We’ve had a strong connection with Wandin Rotary in the past and last year they kindly donated 50 small microscopes for our students,” Mr Bailey said. “Here at Wandin North we aim to build a strong connection in our community and we’re very fortunate and grateful for our connection with Rotary and we hope to continue that moving forward.”
The coronavirus pandemic has seen the fundraising abilities of the Rotarians restricted as well as their international programs. Mr McIntyre said this has led to an even greater focus for Rotary to lend a hand within their own community as they hope to pick up a few extra members along the way.
“Our aim is to have some fun and try to help people at the same time,” Mr McIntyre said.
He said Wandin Rotary has raised over $100,000 for the Royal Children’s Hospital over the past few years.
Wandin Rotary welcomes new members. For more information, visit: http://wandinrotary.org
