My Fellow Rotarians and Friends of ROMAC

As we draw to the end of the 2020-21 Financial Year, we are still facing the uncertainly of the COVID challenges with respect to regular Rotary club meetings and the organising of Rotary club fundraising events.

The Australian and New Zealand Governments maintain their policies of not allowing ROMAC to bring patients into our countries, even though we have a large list of potential medical cases needing treatment.  If, and when, the two governments allow us to bring patients into our respective countries, ROMAC then faces the great challenge of having to prioritise the patients, as we have limited funds available due to the large drop in revenue owing to the COVID restrictions on fundraising functions and special events.

As you know, ROMAC could not survive without the generosity and ongoing financial support from Rotary clubs and individual Rotarians.  With the end of the current Rotary year fast approaching, I ask that you consider helping us once again with a donation which will enable us to continue to help needy children from our neighbouring island countries.  Please click on the "donate now" button below which will take you to our donation page on our website.

On a positive note, I'm delighted to report that Vincent, our last patient to be treated in Australia before COVID closed our borders, who returned home to the Solomon Islands in November after 16 months in Canberra, is doing well, is putting on weight and is enjoying life like any happy, healthy two year old.

If your club has not recently had a presentation on ROMAC and would be interested in learning more about our organisation and some of our fantastic success stories please contact me on chair@romac.org.au or on my mobile: 0411 044 691 and I will arrange for an appropriate ROMAC volunteer to address your meeting, either in person or via Zoom.

Keep safe and keep well.

Harold Sharp OAM
Chairman

PS the photo of Vincent (below) was taken just prior to him leaving Canberra to return to his home in the Solomon Islands was taken by Canberra Times photographer, Karleen Minney.