Many charities spend a significant proportion of their fundraising on administration, rent and staff costs. Rotary, however, is required by its international charter to direct 100 per cent of money raised from community fundraising to the causes it supports.

According to the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission, large charities typically spend about 55 per cent of their funds on running expenses, while “Give Well” organisations devote 80 to 90 per cent to community causes.

Daylesford Rotary President Victor Szwed said that the local club ensures all funds raised from the community are invested in community projects, both locally and beyond. Administration costs such as insurance and contributions to Rotary District and Rotary International are covered by members’ annual fees and occasional volunteer work undertaken outside the area.

Daylesford Rotary is the only service club still operating in the town. While other groups such as Lions, the Men’s Shed, Friends of Cornish Hill and various festival committees focus on specific interests, Rotary supports a broad range of local causes and often assists other community organisations.

Recent beneficiaries of Rotary support include:

  • $1,500 for the Daylesford New Year’s Eve Gala Parade and Festa
  • More than $1,000 for local schools
  • $1,000 each to the Good Grub Club and Club 5000
  • $2,500 to the Daylesford Men’s Shed for production of Christmas trees and large wombats
  • $1,000 to Riding for the Disabled to sponsor Panda, a horse used by members
  • $3,000 for Daylesford Secondary College’s Live4Life program
  • $2,750 to Days for Girls, providing sanitary and other products for girls overseas
  • $2,000 for a defibrillator at the Daylesford Community Child Care Centre
  • $2,000 towards new signage for the RSL Avenue of Honour
  • $3,000 for the local Blue Trees mental health project
  • $1,300 for a mother-and-child refuge in Bali

Each year, Daylesford Rotary donates between $20,000 and $25,000 to community needs such as these.

Mr Szwed said the club welcomes new members and supporters. Anyone interested in finding out more or helping occasionally as a “Friend of Rotary” can contact him at vszwed@y7mail.com or on 0488 011 186.