Gloucester Quota Club has a new name after a worldwide membership decision to drop 'International' from the group's affiliation.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
According to Gloucester Quota publicity officer Margaret Andrews, the decision means the group is no longer required to participate in international fundraising activities.
"All Quota clubs are now independent and are able to set their own agendas within their communities," Margaret said.
Not only has the name been changed but so has the annual cost of the membership which Margaret hopes will help boost the club's numbers.
"We hope to bring back former members and attract some new ones," Margaret said.
We hope to bring back former members and attract some new ones.
- Margaret Andrews
What does it all mean? In the past all Quota clubs were required to take part in international fundraising efforts and pay the associated fees.
These fees had been funded by the members, hence the drop in memberships costs.
By dropping the international component, especially given the current global pandemic, and an ability to run normal fundraising activities, the clubs that remain can focus on local efforts. This includes activities like knitting scarves and beanies for cancer patients, an effort the Gloucester club launched in July.
It was the first activity the club had organised since COVID hit and they recently boxed up nearly 50 beanies and 20 scarves to post off to the Cancer Council, plus a $500 donation from the club.
As per the Quota mantra, club members continue to be devoted to doing what they can to help disadvantaged woman and children and the hard of hearing. But now, they can focus their efforts wholly on Gloucester and rest of Australia.
"We welcome the change and look forward to continuing the work we do in the community," Margaret said.
One of the club's biggest annual fundraisers, and one the most anticipated, is the sale of Christmas puddings. And although they weren't able to get the Christmas in July puddings up and running, the members are on target for December. It's their first group activity since lockdown.
Orders are now being taken at Gloucester Health Foods, 47 Church Street, or by contacting Margaret on 6558 1485 or 0458 568 517. If you're interested in getting involved in Gloucester Quota, contact Margaret.
Anne Keen
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
