It has been a long haul - launching this years Eastern Bay Womens Impact Fund the same weekend that Cyclone Gabrielle hit- and all of the ups and downs this year has brought locally, nationally and internationally. We have indeed been living in uncertain times.
However being able to provide some certainty and a tangible and impactful solution to issues and difficulties faced in our communities - is definitely something the women who have created the Impact Fund are all about- focused on making a difference.
Sifting and sorting through the projects to look for the ones that would truly make the biggest impact on women and children in 2023-24- came down to a shortlist of five.
Then five became three and these projects were pitched to the donors on November 17th. All were very worthy of receiving impactful grants. The donors chose to split and award two projects-
The Lymphoedema SOZO Project- funding a specific machine that will be housed and maintained at Whakatane Hospital, that will assist with the measurement and management of swollen limbs, particularly following breast cancer, and also testicular and prostate cancer, diabetes, renal conditions and heart disease. Currently patients have to travel to Tauranga to access this machine, involving a lot of downtime from work, family disruption, cost of travel, time etc This is a collaborative project with Rotary Kawerau and Rotary Whakatane, who have partnered financially to enable the purchase of the SOZO machine and associated implements.
Eastern Bay Riding for the Disabled also received funds towards the provision of an amenities block for the clients who, daily, benefit greatly from the therapy offered through the RDA riding and confidence programmes. Being able to shower and toilet these differently abled people, will give cause for greater dignity, so that they are able to participate more fully.
We look forward to progress reports on both of these groups on the difference these funds have made in alleviating the problems they have set about addressing.
Thank you to the women of Impact and their forethought and support.
Presentation of Impact Funds to the Lymphoedema Project 2023. Viv Barr (EBCF) Ian Finch (Rotary Whakatane, Robyn Woolsey (EBCF) Lynette Dolman (Rotary Kawerau) David Dowthwaite ( Rotary Whakatane)
Presentation of Impact Funds to EBOP RDA 2023. Viv Barr, (EBCF) Claire Barkla (Volunteer RDA) Alison (Volunteer RDA) Shona & Jo ( Coaches RDA) Ron Burgess ( President RDA) Robyn Woolsey (EBCF)