Head Book Worm Peita Byer has been involved in the ShelterBox Australia Book Club since its inception in 2020 and is amazed at the network of Rotarians involved.
“Almost half of our book club members are either Rotarians or Rotary spouses,” Peita says. “It’s so great to hear about their club projects and activities in between animated discussions about our latest read.”
The ShelterBox Australia Book Club was born out of the prolonged stay-at-home orders during the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020.
“During the early days of the pandemic, when everyone was at home, ShelterBox wanted to offer our supporters a way to connect. We thought that reading stories inspired by the communities that ShelterBox and Rotary support worldwide would be a stimulating activity,” Peita says.
The ShelterBox Australia Book Club costs a very small $10 or more a month, with members voting for the next title, joining an online discussion and meeting up remotely every six weeks. The books often challenge and engage the readers beyond their usual personal choices.
This gift of joining the growing online community of book lovers has been a great way for many Rotarians to immerse themselves in extraordinary stories, connect with Rotarians from across Australia, and know that their involvement directly shelters families after disaster and conflict.
PICTURED: ShelterBox Australia Book Club ‘Head Bookworm’ Peita Byer reading A House in Fez. Book Club member Jacqui Lee reading Too Much Lip. Book Club member Kieryn Deutrom reading The Personal Librarian
Bronwyn Klar, a member of the ShelterBox Australia Book Club from the beginning, supports her husband, PDG Tim Klar, who is part of the Rotary Club of Coromandel Valley, SA, and a past ShelterBox Australia Board member. During Tim’s term as district governor, Bronwyn chose ShelterBox as her partner project and promoted the disaster relief partnership between Rotary and ShelterBox.
Now, as part of the ShelterBox Book Club, Bronwyn continues to support disaster relief by being an active and engaged book club member.
“I continue to learn and enjoy so much from the eclectic selections in our book club… historical fiction, biographies, women’s fiction, travel, history, even a cookbook!” Bronwyn says.
“Our books have a link to countries that have had ShelterBox deployments, and it is always good to have our ShelterBox Response Team member, Mike Greenslade, enlighten us with his views.
“My personal highlight is the visits from authors who occasionally join us for Zoom meetings.”
Another Rotarian who has been involved from the start is Russell Cooper from the Rotary Club of Rockhampton, Qld. Russell tunes into the six-weekly meetings from his sunny spot in Far North Queensland, making those living in colder climes somewhat envious.
“I fully enjoy this book club and I hope I sometimes address the gender bias! I have been in a few book clubs and this one particularly finds books I would not have read. I thank the person who chooses the books; that can’t be an easy job.”
Book Club member Carol Forrest’s husband, Hugh, is a member of the Rotary Club of Castlemaine, Vic.
“I’ve supported Rotary for over 30 years, standing beside Hugh at functions, giving service at fundraisers and conferences,” Carol says. “When Hugh was club president on a few occasions, as his wife I was involved on many levels, including group study exchanges.”
On her involvement with the ShelterBox Book Club, Carol says, “I’m delighted and excited to be part of this innovative and engaging online ShelterBox Book Club as it offers national opportunities for a mix of ages and genders to connect in lively, diverse chats.
“I enjoy the quality of global authors and insights into their characters’ lives. I can recommend the online friendships that have developed easily.”
The money raised from the book club goes directly to a range of aid items to support families immediately after disaster and conflict, from tents and tarpaulins to cooking sets and solar lights.
ShelterBox is inviting book-loving Rotarians and their partners to step up (or sit down!) this winter and join the ShelterBox Australia Book Club.
Every six weeks, you can gather together in person, or from the comfort of your own home, and jump online to join the discussion and know that your involvement is helping those affected
by disaster.
We all love a good book, so what better twist than a book that does good too?
Find out more and join online at www.shelterboxaustralia.org.au/book-club/