ROK Kits

In the middle of 2005, PP Warren Bond of Padstow Rotary had the bright idea of approaching a major international airline and finding out what happened to all of those unused and opened amenity bags given to passengers travelling first, business, and economy class. From this first contact grew the ROK (Rotary Overnight Kit) project.

The Rotarians of Padstow pick up the unused components of the amenity kits from the sheltered workshop where they were sent to be unpacked. Warren and Sharon Bond use their small factory in Revesby as the warehouse and turn-around depot.

With the help of outside sponsors Revesby Workers Club and Fairfield RSL, the Rotarians buy missing items to add to the kits. Those who have had the good fortune to fly business and first class will know that the amenity kits usually contain a comb, socks, razor, shaving cream, toothbrush and toothpaste, and moisturising creams. The kits don't include soap and shampoo. With the support of sponsors, Padstow Rotarians buy and add soap, shampoo, and a small sewing kit, as well as any missing items.

The kits are then forwarded on to Ryde Secondary College Support Students. The re-packing of the kits has become part of the curriculum of the school and has enabled the school to assess the working potential of their support students. Left-over lanyards and socks are sorted and stored.

The ROKs are then picked up and stored in the Revesby warehouse where Padstow Rotarians have a working bee to do the final check before the ROKs are distributed to those in need.

Late in 2006, the airline approached Sharon and asked if Padstow Rotary would also be interested in recycling redundant blankets used on the planes. Rotarians pick up the blankets from Lawrence Drycleaners and also send these out to the refuges of Sydney and overseas destinations.

So far, ROK kits and blankets have gone to Afghanistan, Burma, China, Fiji, India, Kenya, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Vanuatu, and Zimbabwe.

As at September 2008, we have sent out, to the homeless of Sydney, the indigenous, and overseas refugees:

    ROKs17,028
    Blankets48,855
    Pillowslips7,950
    Pillows1,442
    Pyjamas4,540
    Teaspoons38,815
    Spoons2,400
    Forks26,610
    Knives300
    Plastic cutlery7,080
    Bowls14,771
    Plastic cups10,200
    Pencil case sets5,000
    Toilet rolls5,000
    Biscuits9,000
    Trays3,048
    Combs400
    Earplugs400
    Lanyards2,000
    Eyeshades1,000
    Carpet tiles88 boxes
    Slippers414
    Shaving cream500
    Toothbrush & paste1,100
    Socks16,000
    Biscuits9,120
    Toy sets5,370
    Comfort kits1,030

Charities to benefit include, amongst others:

Rotary clubs to be involved in the distribution of goods include Padstow, Boorawa, Burwood, Cabramatta, Como Jannali Rotoract, Como Jannali, Goulburn/Mulwaree, Hawkesbury, Holroyd, Kalgoorlie, Liverpool Greenway, Liverpool West, Parramatta Daybreak, and Silverwater. Additionally, 1,500 lanyards have also been recycled at Rotary conferences, Inner Wheel conferences, and RYPEN.

For further information, please contact ROK co-ordinators Warren and Sharon Bond on smabond@hotmail.com.

 

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Last changed: 21:18:20 04-10-2008