Spirit of generosity spans distances

Dale McCleary had been in the driver’s seat to transport the shipment, which included sterilisation equipment, food packs and drinking water for residents of Echuca-Moama.

“We put a call out on Facebook and the Griffith community responded,” Mr McCleary said.

“We first did it for the people of Brewarrina up in the north-west of New South Wales, then Lismore when the floods hit, Tathra when they were affected by the bushfires, as well as Taree when it was flooded.

“We work with the Rotary clubs in those communities to get the supplies to the people who need them the most.

“I’ve got to give a special mention to Andrew from Crotty’s Excavations for the use of the truck today.”

Mr McCleary was met on arrival by a large contingent of members from the Rotary Club of Echuca, who in turn passed the items onto the Echuca Neighbourhood House (ENH).

Rotary also presented a cheque of $500 to ENH.

“This (cheque) is the result of the combined funding efforts of the Rotary clubs of Echuca, Heidelberg, Mordialloc and Melbourne Central,” Rotary Club of Echuca president Kate Miller said.

“To have that metropolitan-country connection is just terrific.

“I’d like to thank Dale, and the people of Griffith for their wonderful donation and also Richard Jardine from Haeuslers, who has donated the use of the forklift for us to get the materials off the truck.”

ENH president Trevor Crane said the donation would be of great assistance.

“We’re very thankful for what Dale and Rotary have provided us with,” Mr Crane said.

“We’re just overwhelmed with the generosity of people and will distribute the goods to those in need.

“It is just great to see communities working together, it is absolutely wonderful.

“Thanks to everyone who has been involved.”