Opera in the Arboretum is the Rotary Club of Woy Woy's major annual fundraiser. Since the event's inception hundreds of thousands of dollars have been raised for deserving causes, charitable organisations and for Rotary humanitarian projects at home and overseas. The principal and major beneficiaries of funds raised by Opera in the Arboretum 2020 will be:
PRINCIPAL FUNDING
Conservatorium Scholarships
The Rotary Club of Woy Woy has a long-term commitment to support the development of local school age musicians at the Central Coast Conservatorium of Music. It is well recognised that a musical education has complementary benefits in the social and educational development of children. The results of this commitment to the fostering of a musical education can also be seen in the presence of the younger players in the Central Coast Chamber Orchestra that accompanies artists at Opera in the Arboretum.
Drought Relief
With Australia facing a series of catastrophic droughts, our club has committed to support local communities in country areas. A trip to Canowindra by club members in September was one way in which we could better appreciate the severity of the situation and make a small contribution to the financial welfare of its inhabitants through our expenditure in the town. Our ongoing support will be to provide funding at the local level through our contacts in the country and through Rotary clubs in the area.
MAJOR FUNDING
Umina Beach Men’s Shed
A Men’s Shed has been operating in Umina for eight years and has built a strong rapport with many of the local community organisations. The Men’s Shed is moving to a new site and needs support to relocate. A Shed is all about men’s health, and supporting this organisation is one way to enhance the wellbeing of men through the companionship of their fellows.
Purple House
Purple House is an innovative indigenous-owned and run health service, operating from its base in Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. Now having 18 remote clinics and a mobile dialysis unit called the Purple Truck, Purple House is getting treatment to patients in the bush so that families need not be separated for treatment in a far-off city.
Cerebal Palsy Research
In Australia there are approximately 34,000 people with cerebral palsy which affects various functions of the body. Worldwide, the incidence of cerebral palsy is 1 in 700 births and as a result there are currently 17 million people in the world who have this condition. For most people with cerebral palsy, the cause is unknown. Research is vitally important as there is no known cure.
Pure Joy Women Empowerment Uganda
This Rotary Club of Woy Woy overseas aid project in Jinja, Uganda provides vocational training in sewing and hairdressing to disadvantaged women so they have a better chance of gaining employment and breaking the cycle of poverty. This will enable Pure Joy to add beauty and nail services to their Salon and provide skills training. Income generated from the Salon will enable the project to become self-sustainable.