Coolamon Rotary Club and Past Governor John Glassford have hit on the unique concept of selling sunflower seeds to raise funds to support the Ukraine Crisis Appeal.

Article by PDG Bob Aitken - Rotary End Polio Now Coordinator

The beautiful sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine and John has connected with a generous grower from nearby Ganmain to launch the scheme that will surely capture the imagination and support of like-minded Rotarians across Australia.

With fellow Coolamon Rotarian Garth Perkin, John travelled to The Rock near Ganmain recently to collect the first 10kg bag of seeds from farmer Doug Bruckner and commence the marketing process.

They calculate they will have enough seeds for 40,000 – 60,000 small bags with approximately 40 seeds in each bag and have already tasted success with sample deliveries to several Rotary clubs.

One of John Glassford’s classmates from 2018/19, PDG Susan Wakefield OAM, was one of the first to take delivery of a bulk order of seeds and had immediate success - selling dozens of packets and collecting hundreds of dollars in donations!

John and Susan agree the packets of seeds should be offered to Rotarians and members of the public in exchange for a gold coin – or donation of choice – and giving has already proved very generous.

Melanie Lewis, Environmental Chair for District 9685 has also expressed interest in supporting the program. It is the perfect program for Clubs and Districts to show support for Rotary’s seventh area of focus, Environment.

However, this is just the beginning of a major marketing program – with plans to encourage Rotary clubs to place trays of seeds in shops, schools, service stations, street stalls and other community organisations for volunteer sales.

Preparation of the packs is simple. Packs of 2,000 cello bags can be purchased for approximately $55 including GST and delivery. Best contact for Cello Bags Australia is Geoff Senior at 0418 114 422.

Below is a sample of the colourful promotional card  and clubs can find their own special trays to display the bags at point of sale outlets. The same image can be used for the production of promotional flyers and point of sale posters. The art work card (pdf) is attached at the bottom of this article.

Coolamon RC is looking at ordering 1,000 display/donation boxes which clubs can purchase for $4.00 each plus postage. These boxes make it easier for clubs to receive donations as they can be displayed in various outlets such as clubs and other high-volume traffic areas.

RI Director Jessie Harman has lent strong support to the program stating “this Sunflowers for Ukraine project is a simple way to show our support for the victims of war in Ukraine.

The funds we raise will provide desperately needed relief for many. The sunflower we plant will stand as evidence of our solidarity and hopes for a brighter, peaceful future for all”, she said.

It is important to note the Ukraine Crisis Appeal has partnered with Rotary Australia and includes the Australian Federation of Ukraine organisations, Rotary Australia World Community Service and Caritas Ukraine.

Since 2015, the partnership has provided humanitarian aid, rehabilitation support for veterans and occupational therapy training.

Access https://www.ukrainecrisisappeal.org/ to donate to this special cause.

For further information, contact PDG John Glassford on 0498 190 880 or email jacksflat@gmail.com