By PDG Bob Aitken AM
Lower Blue Mountains Rotary Club, NSW
The Rotary Club of Coolamon, NSW, and Past District Governor John Glassford have launched the unique concept of selling sunflower seeds to raise funds for the Ukraine Crisis Appeal.
The beautiful sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine and John has connected with a generous grower to launch the scheme.
With fellow Coolamon Rotarian Garth Perkin, John travelled to The Rock near Ganmain to collect the first 10kg bag of seeds from farmer Doug Bruckner and commence the marketing process.
They calculate they will have enough seeds for 40,000 – 60,000 small bags holding approximately 40 seeds in each.
One of John’s classmates from 2018-19, PDG Susan Wakefield OAM, was one of the first to take delivery of a bulk order of seeds and had immediate success – selling dozens of packets and collecting hundreds of dollars in donations.
John and Susan agree the packets of seeds should be offered in exchange for a gold coin – or donation
of choice – and giving has already proved very generous.
However, this is just the beginning of a major marketing program – with plans to encourage Rotary clubs to place trays of seeds in shops, schools, service stations, street stalls and other community organisations for volunteer sales.
Preparation of the packs is simple. Packs of 2,000 cello bags can be purchased for approximately $55 including GST and delivery (contact Geoff Senior from Cello Bags Australia via 0418 114 422).
Promotional card templates are available and clubs can find their own special trays to display the bags at point-of-sale outlets. The same image can be used for promotional flyers and point-of-sale posters.
The Rotary Club of Coolamon is also looking at ordering 1,000 display/donation boxes, which clubs can purchase for $4 each plus postage.
RI Director Jessie Harman has lent strong support to the program.
“The Sunflowers for Ukraine project is a simple way to show our support for the victims of war in Ukraine,” Jessie said.
“The funds we raise will provide desperately needed relief for many. The sunflower we plant will stand as evidence of our solidarity and hopes for a brighter, peaceful future for all.”
The Ukraine Crisis Appeal has partnered with Rotary Australia and includes the Australian Federation of Ukraine organisations, Rotary Australia World Community Service and Caritas Ukraine.
Sunflowers for Ukraine: For further information on the Sunflowers for Ukraine project and how your club can get involved, contact PDG John Glassford on 0498 190 880 or email jacksflat@gmail.com