This phenomenal journey was made possible thanks to the open-heart surgery which saved his life as a child. Jeremy is a recipient of the Australian Heart Foundation ‘Heart Hero Award’, an Ambassador for Waterline Challenge, and has raised over $50,000 for the New Zealand, Australian and British Heart Foundations. He continues to support these charities through speaking engagements and book sales and now dedicates his life to inspire others.
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Attadale Rotary were thrilled to have the Rotary District 9465 Membership Director John Stockbridge attend their meeting on Monday Oct 15th Tompkins on Swan. John presented lots of useful information and interesting ideas in his talk on Social Media and Business Networking. He also showed a video on social media statistics that had prompted him to take direct action by presenting to business networking groups. Club President Ian Pittaway also had great pleasure in welcoming Andrea Poynton, Jacquie Pittaway and from Applecross Rotary Kenn Williams to the meeting. As the past week had focussed on 'Lifting the Lid' on mental health, members wore a hat to the meeting and donated to the Australian Rotary Health fund to be used for mental health research. Ian shared some thoughts with those present: Four simple letters, R U O K but how often do we ask it? Suicide is the leading cause of death in children from the young age of 5 to 17. Peel Football club have now started their own 'Welfare and Education' program. Too late to save those lost, but will no doubt help others. He shared many other sad stories and stated that we can all do something as simple as calling a friend just to ask RUOK. It may help and it can do no harm, but we should all be aware of how much it can help even in the smallest way. Pictured at the meeting are John Stockbridge with Carole Maxwell and Club President Ian Pittaway, Garth Curran with Selwyn Castles, James Doogue and Rodney Rate. Colin McCulloch (artistically clever and highlighting the 'Lift the Lid' cause) is with his lovely wife Gail McCulloch & Jacquie & Ian Pittaway. Others enjoying the fellowship on the evening included Neil & Giovanna McKay with Kenn Williams & Jim Calcei, Andrea Poynton pictured with John Sharp & Carole Maxwell, Bob Rodgers with Winston Marsh & Greg James. Colin McCulloch and Jim Calcei are pictured donating. It was a great night.  On Monday Oct 8 Carole Maxwell was delighted to introduce the Guest Speaker at the Rotary Club of Attadale meeting young Vincent Pettinicchio. Vincent explained that in 2013 at only seven years of age he founded his charity - 'Vincent's Project for the Homeless'.
He got the idea for his project after coming home one day, upset from being bullied. He was sad and crying so his Mum told him to think of doing something nice for someone else. Vincent knew who he wanted to help. He had witnessed the homelessness crisis in WA while going on walks with his grandparents who live near Perth. Vincent thought about what would be useful to a person living on the streets, to make their life more comfortable and came up with a careful list. These days each of Vincent's packages are worth $66 and include a pillow and pillowcase, towel and facewasher, blanket, toothbrush and toothbrush container, toothpaste, soap and soap container, deodorant, hairbrush, razors and shaving cream, shampoo, a pack of tissues, a bottle of water, poncho, notepad and pen. The female bags also include feminine hygiene items. Hundreds of students and volunteers help pack the items into a duffle bag and the finishing touch is a tag with a simple note - 'Just to let you know that someone cares', written by school children Vincent has enlisted to help. Over the years Vincent's Project have filled 5615 bags that are in high demand from charities such as St Vincent de Paul and the Red Cross and have also been requested by the Department of Community Services. Mrs Pettinicchio said while each year her son's project had grown beyond expectations, this year had been a bit more of a struggle because Vincent had fallen ill with chronic fatigue syndrome. Normally he goes out every weekend and fundraises but this year he just hasn't been able to do it as much she said. Without his family, especially his parents, Vincent said his project would not be what it is today. Beyond all the help he receives, Vincent said his Mum's role is essential. She gives up lots of weekends to take him places to speak, helps with the delivery and collection of items and co-ordinates the different schools for him, orders the stock and budgets the spending. Vincent's Mum Pina Pettinicchio admits it isn't always easy. Running a household, working two jobs and helping Vincent manage his project sometimes does not leave enough time for her to do the other things she needs to. Vincent has deservedly been given many awards for his great work. In 2016 he was the youngest recipient of a Rotary Paul Harris Fellowship by the Rotary Club of Hillarys. Vincent has not only made a huge personal difference in the community, but is also a role model and inspiration for other children and young people showing what can be achieved with commitment and compassion. Today Vincent knows 'That he can achieve his dreams if he works hard and perseveres' and that his Mum was right that 'Helping others does make you feel good about yourself'. The Members and guests of the Rotary Club of Attadale were very impressed with Vincent, his Mum and the amazing and inspirational Project they work on and thanked them both for coming and speaking at the meeting. Everyone wishes Vincent a good recovery from his current Chronic Fatigue condition. Club President Ian Pittaway was delighted to present Vincent with a cheque for $250 for his Project from the Rotary Club of Attadale and thanked those who had brought along some items for Vincent's project as well. If you would like to learn more about Vincent's project for the Homeless go to https://www.facebook.com/vincentsprojectforthehomeless/ |
AuthorRotary Club of Attadale Archives
October 2020
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