Dear Presidents and Secretaries,

Further to my comments during the District Zoom meeting, the Rotarians Helping Timor office in Dili needs continued funding support to remain operating.

You may not be aware that Rotary operates the Rotarians Helping Timor office in Dili. The office employs two full time staff, Mario and Judite, and has an annual operating budget of approximately AUD$27,000.

The majority of the funding for the operations comes from Victorian based Rotary Clubs, particularly RC Melbourne and RC Baldwyn.

The office provides an important function in District 9550 particularly with the management and distribution of goods received through Donations in Kind shipments, and in-country support for ROMAC patients. Mario and Judite were to be speakers at the Mackay Conference where they were to speak about their roles.

The operation of the office is overseen by PDG Phil Dempster (RC Cairns Trinity) and PP Bob Glindeman (RC Melbourne).

There is a significant business risk for D9550 to rely on Victorian based Rotary Clubs to fund the operations of this office which provides a service to our District. The D9550 Management and Finance Committee has recently approved an increase in District support for the operations to address this risk.

Further financial support from clubs in our District is required.

I ask that your club consider making a small contribution to the funding for the Rotarians Helping Timor office. Your support will not only ensure the continued operation of this valuable service, but you will be providing a livelihood for two Timorese families.

Donations can be made to District 9560 as follows, ensuring that the reference states ‘Dili Office’:

Rotary District 9560 Inc

BSB - 633000

Account - 128152717

Reference – ‘Dili Office’

PDG Phil Dempster and I thank you for your consideration.

Kind regards,

Ron

Ron Degenhart

District Governor 2019-2020

Rotary District 9550

+61 406381572

redegenhart@bigpond.com