This week we were pleased to have Rotarian Ewan Urquhart from DIK join us with some interesting information about Donations in Kind.

 

Ewan spoke about the history of DIK. In 1993 with the FAIM team that travelled to locations with building materials and the differences of today, with containers filled with items for many different locations such as, Fiji and PNG supporting displaced people, natural disasters, villages with no amenities, poor or no water supply, schools, and hospitals equipment.

A typical wish list from communities is long, from medical equipment to brooms and mops, and DIK endeavour to fill all those needs.

The DIK shed is open on Tuesdays and Wednesday mornings, everyone is well to call in and have morning tea and see what goes on there with the sorting of books to re-birthing computers.

 

They test donated electrical equipment, sewing machines and wheels chairs, it’s a very busy place.

Ewan spoke on the growing costs of containers and shipping goods now, between $3500-$6000, and the question that arises, would it be better to just send money directly to where it is needed, but then, would that get to where its needed.

 

So many issues to think about.

Chairperson Telsa presented a $1000 cheque to Ewan, to help with purchasing containers and thank him for all the information.

 

Telsa also spoke about how Bayside has been collecting school furniture, books, and uniforms over the last 18months for PNG.

 

Also at present sourcing treadle sewing machine through PP Ken Wilks from Heights Sewing Centre, to send and help set up a micro business for Days for Girls in PNG.