If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, then children from eight Yarra Ranges primary schools won’t be making appointments anytime soon after the efforts of a local rotary club.
Rotarians and partners from the Rotary Club of Wandin packed one kilogram bags at Old Oak Orchards on Wednesday 3 December to be given to every student and teacher from eight local schools.
It’s the club’s fourth year giving apples to primary schools in Yering, Coldstream, Wandin North, Wandin Yallock, Seville, Woori Yallock, Hoddles Creek and Silvan.
Rotary Club of Wandin international chair Gavan McIntyre said the initiative was always well received from students and teachers alike.
“It’s been a big hit, the schools have always loved it, the kids always love it,” Mr McIntyre said.
The rotarians always find the apple packing a very fulfilling activity and it was a great chance to get together for a working bee.
“It’s a great feeling for all of us, for all the members as you can see here today with the rotarians and partners all coming along to help. It’s something that’s simple, it’s easy.
“So we have a working bee and a big pack and then we have a barbecue after for a bit of fellowship,” Mr McIntyre said.
Old Oak Orchards provided the apples for a discounted price while Yarra Valley Packaging donated the apple bags for free.
“We definitely want to thank Old Oak Orchards, Gavin and Andrew Corbett, for their help in setting this up today so we can pack and Yarra Valley Packaging, they provide the Apple bags for us, free of charge.”
Once the apples were packed, the rotarians drove around to the schools and delivered the bags to students as they left class.
He said the apple picking day started off the back of conversations surrounding healthy eating, and it’s become a tradition ever since.
The free bag of apples is also another way for the Rotary Club of Wandin to help families under financial stress leading up into Christmas.
In a 2024 Star Mail article on last year’s apple packing, Mr McIntyre said it was also important to teach children about growers in the Yarra Valley.
“I think it’s very important that they realise that apples don’t just appear in the supermarket, they’re grown, they’re stored, they’re packed, they’re transported to market and then come back to the shop, it’s a big circle really so this helps them understand,” he said.
“Hopefully the teachers will give them a bit of a talk… it’s just so important that the kids learn the best food is that which is grown locally.”
The Rotary Club of Wandin also hoped to find some new members as it is struggling for members.
If you’re interested in joining, you can contact the Rotary Club of Wandin at the link: wandinrotary.org/singleemail/contactus
