Retiring but far from shy

From left, John O'Reilly, Bob Powell and Bendigo Bank's Jason Pater. 134528 Picture: ROB CAREW

By LACHLAN MOORHEAD

THE volunteers at the Andrews Centre don’t help the needy to gain recognition.
But that doesn’t stop the Endeavour Hills community from thanking and rewarding their local crisis and counselling centre.
The money raised from the Rotary Club of Endeavour Hill’s upcoming Golf Day later this month will be largely donated to the Andrews Centre to assist in its work.
While recently helping the Andrews Centre with a $7000 renovation of its kitchen, Endeavour Hills Rotarian John O’Reilly said his club was blown away by the selfless work carried out by the facility’s volunteers for the less fortunate.
“They work in the community, we work for the community, and these people are just doing amazing things,” he said of the Andrews Centre.
“They are all professional people who have retired and they volunteer their time.
“We were so impressed with what they do and we thought let’s not just do the kitchen but let’s also throw some money at them, too.”
While various other charities will also benefit from funds raised at the Golf Day, sponsored by major partner Bendigo Bank, Mr O’Reilly said the Andrews Centre would be the main beneficiary.
“When you think about people who can’t speak English and can’t get a job, when they haven’t got food – there’s so many basic things that the Andrews Centre helps out with,” he said.
“They’re very important, in my opinion, and it’s done with love. They’re very genuine and that’s what blew us away.”
The Golf Day, which will take place at the Cranbourne Golf Club on Monday 23 February from 12.30pm, was started all the way back in 1986 by the club’s original chairman, Bob Powell.
Mr Powell will also be at the event this year at which participants will again be given the chance to have another fun day out and engage in a plethora of competitions.
For more information and to sign up to the event, visit www.rotaryendeavourhills.org.au.