$350,000 in community grants from Rotary Wishing Well

PICTUREd: The new Rotary Christmas Wishing Well attracted many donations.

The wishes of many community groups have come true thanks to proceeds from the Rotary Club of Mandurah Districts, WA, Christmas Wishing Well project.

By PDG John Kevan

Each year, hundreds of houses along the many canals in Mandurah produce a dazzling display of colourful Christmas lights. Over a seven week period, thousands of boats loaded with local residents and visitors traverse the canals enjoying the spectacle.

The Rotary Christmas Wishing Well, redesigned this year, is located at the end of the main illuminated canal. The brightly lit display attracts well wishers, who throw coins into a large net.

Cruise boat operators generously support the project by encouraging their passengers to donate to Rotary as they pay for their tickets to see the lights.

Since the project’s inception in 2008, more than $350,000 in local grants has been awarded. This year, the Rotary Club of Mandurah Districts awarded a total of $27,133 to 23 small community organisations, making a difference to many people’s lives.

Groups servicing domestic violence, providing back-to-school supplies, tree planting, family food supplies, community health, youth facilities and many more have benefited from the community’s generosity.

“It has been exciting to see the success of the Rotary community grants program, funded by collections from the Rotary Christmas Wishing Well project,” said Rotary Club of Mandurah Districts President Peter Smith.

“Rotary has received so much support from the local residents and thousands of visitors.”