Monday 6 April 2015

7th April Meeting - Peter Sullivan - Organ Donations






















 Chair
Judy

International Toast
Led by Norm to RC Nairobi in recognition of the recent shocking there where 150 Christians were murdered.  RC Nairobi was chartered in 1930 and is Africa’s 3rd oldest club

Visitors
Judy welcomed her mum Merle, Peter and Roger’s partner Sally
Apologies
Ron, Ian, Gerry, Pam & Graham

Make Up’s
The RYDA crew, and, according to Helen who can’t find the actual evidence, Gerry did two make Up’s in Darwin

President's Report
Deborah welcomed Peter, from RC Albany Creek.
Alf awarded a double bronze badge for introducing new members.  Alf and Sue will now had to abandon their beach walks in case Alf falls in, and the weight of bronze medals takes him straight to the bottom.
A big thank you to all those who helped out with RYDA.
Bernie got a “very good” result in her personality test -
Bernie, what is this actually about? You know your secret will be safe here in the Blog because nobody else actually reads it.
The Men’s Shed are cleaning up in their new shed today, the carpet snake is gone and their incorporation is in progress.
Mark has organised a container for Vanuatu, cost $5,000 with $2,000 from District and an anonymous donor donor.  Now we need to find out what best to fill it with.

Speaker
Deborah introduced Peter.
Peter is District’s organ donation advocate.

Peter acknowledged Kevin Rudd’s role in advocating for this cause in connection with his valve transplant and the “Donate Life” campaign.

The publicity around donating is helping, but with Australia’s “opt in“ system there is a waiting list of around 1500 people.  Interestingly, Spain has an “opt out” system, and according to Norm was influenced by the Running of the Bulls at Pamplona

Peter’s big message was to SPEAK TO YOUR FAMILY about your wishes and their wishes.  You can be registered as an organ donor, but the last word rests with your family.  Don’t just think about YOUR donation - tragic death of younger members of your family can be a gift of life to others.  Giving permission when a loved one is being kept “alive” in a hospital bed, even though brain dead, would be most difficult when actually faced with the situation.

Think about blood donations too.  The blood bus is outside Stockland now.
 


Judy thanked Peter for the informative talk.
Directors
Merv re Water & sanitation projects coming up.
RC Caloundra has first option for the October/November trip to Choiseul.  We can set the date.  We are hoping to do two toilet blocks and four water tanks.  A good number of members put up their hands.

Helen gave notice of an upcoming meeting regarding the need for another Probes Club in Pelican Waters.  Maybe other Clubs can take up some of the slack too.

Judy reminded us of the Blood Bank at Stockland from 4-10 April and also May & June.
Sergeant Noel gave us the sad news that this was his last session for a while as Ian was taking over.  This photo is a bit out of focus because of all the tears running over the lens.  Not sure it is all from sadness - maybe from laughing too much when he said
“he will be nice”


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